2020 Marsannay Rouge, Clos du Roy, Domaine Jean Fournier, Burgundy

Racked two weeks before my visit, the 2020 Marsannay Clos du Roy Rouge is the one cuvée that flirts with over-ripeness on the nose, with touches of tinned prune infusing the black fruit. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry, very structured with chalky tannins on the finish. I probably favour the white this year.

Drink 2023 - 2033

Ripe aromas of plum, dark pinot fruit, cassis and earth are trimmed in very subtle oak influence. The succulent and utterly delicious medium weight flavors possess both good verve and delineation while exuding a refreshing salinity on the clean, balanced and sneaky long finish. Lovely.

Drink from 2027 onward.

Fairly black with purple rim. More of the blackberry style, along with dark raspberry behind. Some energy a good tannic tension. Solid weight behind, now some red cherries. This progression on the palate from initial black fruit to a core of red is typical of Laurent’s winemaking. The Clos du Roy is a bit ponderous at the moment, but I suspect that is more to do with its backwardness than a lack of flair.