2022 Marsannay Rouge, Clos du Roy, Domaine Jean Fournier, Burgundy

A markedly floral-suffused nose speaks mostly of ripe and fresh red berries along with a touch of earth. The succulent and delicious, indeed suave, medium-weight flavours tighten up noticeably on the more powerful, if less mineral-driven finale, which is firm, dusty, and serious.

Drink 2030+

An intense rich purple. Plenty of seduction available on the nose too, this is a super saturated Clos du Roy, with an excellent point of acidity. The balance is possible here for the Laurent Fournier style of vinification whereas it can appear top heavy in the baby cuvees. Fresh white pepper to finish.

Drink 2027 - 2032

The 2022 Marsannay Clos du Roy has a classy bouquet with beautifully defined black cherry and bilberry fruit, an underlying mineralité becoming more evident with aeration. The medium-bodied palate is fresh with finely chiseled tannins and impressive structure, yet finishes harmonious and pure. Bon vin.

The final visit during my six-week marathon was to see Laurent Fournier. I have praised his wines for quite a few years now, and he’s always a fun person to taste with, chatty and animated. “We were not impacted by the storm at the end of June,” he tells me at his winery in Marsannay. “The vintage respected the terroirs. I started picking on 31 August. I decided to pick the Aligoté one week earlier than planned, as it was ripening so quickly. There was only a little problem finishing the end of the fermentation, but otherwise, it was straightforward.” These excellent wines lean more towards the black side of the fruit spectrum, and Fournier is a skilled winemaker who exploits the full potential of his modest holdings. They represent some of the best values in this report, and I cannot recommend them enough.

Drink 2026 - 2038