2019 Domaine Ponsot Charmes Chambertin Cuvee des Merles [WA93-95][D94][BH91-93]

Producer: Domaine Ponsot 
Region: Gevrey-Chambertin, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France  
Varietal: Pinot Noir  
Year: 2019 

Wine Advocate, 93-95 Points 

"Aromas of peonies, cinnamon, orange rind, plums and warm spices introduce the 2019 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Cuvée des Merles, a full-bodied, layered and enveloping wine that's seamless and complete. Lively but gourmand, this is one of the highlights of the Ponsot portfolio this year. Domaine Ponsot started picking on September 20, and winemaker Alexandre Abel reported yields some 35% to 40% below average, with alcohols in the 14s and healthy pHs at around 3.3. Yet while alcohols in 2019 were if anything higher than in 2018, the 2019 wines are more elegant, with livelier fruit tones and less overtly muscular structure. That's not a criticism of the 2018s, however, which we revisited from bottle, confirming that they are wines that will require patience: interestingly, the most put-together of the range was the Clos de la Roche, a cuvée that was bottled last, in July 2020, and which certainly seemed to have profited from the longer élevage." 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"From a parcel in Mazoyères, the fruit here is completely destemmed before a slow fermentation in open-topped wood fermenters and ageing in used casks. The technique delivers elegantly ripe red and black fruit character, with a restrained minerality on the nose. The texture is silky, but there is also an impressive amount of tannin here. A bit imposing, but should age well. Drinking Window 2024 - 2039." 

Burghound, 91-93 Points 

"An attractively expressive nose combines notes of red and dark currant with those of earth, spice and a plenty of the sauvage. There is fine mid-palate density to the relatively elegant, indeed almost lilting flavors that flash very good power and punch on the balanced, long and complex finish that is less austere than it usually is, in fact this should drink reasonably well after only 7 to 8 years." 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.