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

The 2022 Marsannay Blanc Clos du Roy is well-defined on the nose, although I find the Cuvée St Urbain has a little more complexity by comparison. The well-balanced palate brings lime cordial, orange pith, and a touch of spice. It has a smooth texture but needs more tension on the finish.

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. “The storm did not impact us 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 2024 - 2029

Here, the nose is sufficiently reduced to mask the underlying fruit, saving for a hint of citrus. Otherwise, surprisingly good punch and detail to the fleshy and generously proportioned medium-weight flavours contrast with the youthfully austere and nicely dry finale. This well-made effort should drink well, young.

Drink 2026+

In tank. A full pale primrose. Ripe pears and a hint at something more exotic. The palate has a stony underlay and a little youthful bitterness, promising a wine of intensity and character further down the line. Actually rather delicious, showing the class of the vineyard.

Drink 2027 - 2032