DOMAINE PONSOT
BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2021
Why Buy: Domaine Ponsot has opened its cellars to us, unveiling a sextet of 2021 gems that both affirm its exceptional Burgundian terroir and remind us why we and so many others are drawn to this great estate. Principles matter, and Ponsot has built its name on them: old vines, low yields, the delaying of harvests to achieve peak ripeness (a risky gambit), gentle extraction, extended aging, and the use of neutral oak (so as not to obscure the character of the wine). It all adds up to what you’ll taste in the six wines we bring you today: wines of enormous depth, intense concentration, and sublime finesse.
What They're Saying: "A riveting wine, one of the great successes of the 2021 vintage," Decanter declared the Morey-St. Denis, 1er Cru Monts Luisants Vielles Vignes, in a gushing 96-point review, while the Cuvée des Alouettes, Morey-St-Denis, 1er elicited nearly the same level of enthusiasm: "a wine of impressive concentration [and] one to buy in the 2021 vintage," Decanter wrote. "A superb density of red and black fruit explodes on the palate. The power is evident from the dark colour to the dense, tannic texture." Neal Martin, of Vinous, awarded the Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru a potential 95 points, calling it a "very pure and perfumed" expression, with "an underlying minerality” and a "sapid, slightly peppery finish that lingers."
Our Tasting Notes: Though 2021 proved a challenge to some winemakers in the region, Ponsot’s Alexandre Abel adroitly adapted, crafting wines of remarkable precision and longevity that defy the year's difficulties. This collection is a testament to its ability to coax profound beauty from even the most capricious of seasons. The Clos de la Roche Cuvee Vielles Vignes 2021 is a tour de force, its old vines delivering a wine of breathtaking depth. Layers of dark fruit unfurl on the palate, intertwined with earthy notes and an almost ethereal spice that dances on the finish. The Corton Cuvee du Bourdon 2021 is a portrait of poised elegance, its taut structure framing a core of vibrant fruit and striking minerality. Not to be outdone, the Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvee de L'Abeille 2021 flexes its muscles with trademark power, yet retains an underlying elegance that speaks to Ponsot's deft touch. Throughout the range, one finds a common thread of purity and structure that promises decades of graceful evolution in the cellar.
The Bottlings: Ponsot's approach in both vineyard and cellar borders on fanaticism. Organic viticulture is just the beginning; their focus on old vines and ruthlessly low yields forms the foundation of their quality. In the winery, long, gentle extractions coax out every nuance of flavor and structure. Extended aging in large, neutral oak barrels allows each wine to fully express its terroir without the mask of new wood. Perhaps most intriguingly, Ponsot employs cutting-edge technology to ensure authenticity, including a pioneering bottle tracking system that would make a Silicon Valley startup envious.
The Story: Since its founding in 1872, Domaine Ponsot has walked a tightrope between honoring ancestral methods and pushing against boundaries. With the arrival of the supremely talented Abel, in 2017, as lead winemaker, collectors have seen a doubling down on the commitment to excellence and terroir expression that has long been Ponsot's hallmark. From their humble village wines to their majestic grand crus, each bottle tells a lyrical story of its specific plot of hallowed ground. For collectors and connoisseurs, these are more than just wines — they’re passports to the beating heart of Burgundy.
Fun Fact: Domaine Ponsot's daring spirit extends even to its harvesting practices. The estate was among the first in Burgundy to delay its harvests, often picking weeks after their neighbors had finished. This once-radical approach, aimed at achieving optimal ripeness, is now widely adopted and credited with contributing to the overall increase in Burgundian wine quality in recent decades.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can be confident that your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, August 12th, 2024.
