Domaine Ponsot : Chapelle-Chambertin Grand cru 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 from Domaine Ponsot

Tasting

Color

The color displays a dense, deep purple hue.

Nose

The nose opens on an exuberant, bold bouquet of black and red fruits, with aromas of blackberry, raspberry coulis and redcurrant. Floral notes of rose, violet and peony mingle with spicy touches of licorice and subtle hints of clementine and marmalade. A slight metallic reduction can be perceived in its youth.

Palate

The palate reveals a medium to medium-full body, with a silky, supple texture of great sensuality. Flavors of ripe red plum and blackcurrant are infused with notes of marmalade. Fine, powdery tannins provide structure, while bright, zesty acidity brings freshness. The long, mineral finish lingers with remarkable complexity.

Food and wine pairings

This Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 pairs beautifully with fine red meats, game birds, poultry in sauce, as well as aged soft-ripened cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

The Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 will benefit from decanting before serving. It calls for patience and should reach its peak between around 2030 and 2040, or even beyond.

A Burgundy grand cru built for aging

The estate

Founded in 1872 by William Ponsot in Morey-Saint-Denis, Domaine Ponsot is among the most prestigious estates in Burgundy. Hippolyte Ponsot, who took over the estate in 1926, was one of the pioneers of estate bottling as early as 1934 and contributed to establishing the AOC system. Jean-Marie Ponsot later developed Pinot Noir clones that became benchmarks in Burgundy. Since 2017, the estate has been led by Rose-Marie Ponsot, with Alexandre Abel in charge of winemaking. The estate is renowned for its minimalist approach and absolute respect for terroir.

The vineyard

The Chapelle-Chambertin comes from a 0.5-hectare plot located in the lieu-dit Les Gémeaux, north of En la Chapelle. The vines, around 35 to 40 years old at the time of the 2020 harvest, are planted at high density (11,000 vines per hectare) on clay-limestone soils over an entrochite-rich limestone base. Yields are limited to 35 hectoliters per hectare.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in Burgundy displayed distinctive characteristics, offering wines with substantial structure and exceptional aging potential. The climatic conditions made it possible to obtain grapes of very high quality and fine freshness.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 were hand-harvested, then destemmed before being placed in temperature-controlled wooden vats. Alcoholic fermentation, lasting 16 to 23 days, took place with indigenous yeasts, accompanied by manual punch-downs three times a day. Aging continued for 18 months in French oak barrels around 20 years old, without racking, allowing prolonged contact with the lees.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir