Ponsot Clos De La Roche Cuvee Vieilles Vignes 2018 (3.0L)

97 DE / 93 WS / 92 JM

It's fascinating to taste the two components of this superb wine, grown only 50 metres apart, as well as the finished blend to see that the pair are much greater than the sum of their parts. Retaining acidity and focus in a hot year, this is a refined, violet-perfumed Pinot Noir that combines sensuous texture and fruit sweetness with acidity and underlying tannic structure. Domaine Ponsot is flourishing under the new régime.--Tim Atkin MW, Decanter

Dark and solidly built, featuring black currant, blackberry, violet and smoky oak spice flavors. The firm tannins render this a bit compact now, but finishes long and balanced in the end. Best from 2023 through 2038.-Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

Dark colour, racily volatile. The fruit is blacker rather than red, and the texture has been slightly coarsened. This wine is work in progress and not quite clear yet what the final result will be. There is a sweetness to the fruit, but perhaps not enough elegance, while a little point of acidity at the finish adds a valuable nuance. The bouquet developed a slight vegetal touch which has cost this intriguing wine a point or two. Very much work in progress and could settle down to provide an exciting bottle. Ardeaseal closure. Drink from 2033.-Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy