2019 Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Clos du Roy

Domaine Charles Audoin was formed in 1972 by Charles and his oenologist wife Marie-Francoise, starting with three hectares in Marsannay. Their holding has now grown to around 14 hectares that captures some of the best parcels in Marsannay. Their son Cyril joined his father in 2000, and is now in charge of both vineyard and winemaking activities for the Domaine. Cyril is increasingly focused on vineyard health, to deliver wines with pure varietal expression and a sense of place. They are among the most serious wines from the area, and while juicy and approachable young, have the capacity to age gracefully for many years.

Clos du Roy is the northern most lieu-dit of Marsannay, and the relatively steep south-east facing vineyard sits above the town of Chenove. Soils here are light red with an element of sand, sitting atop a bedrock of hard limestone. Wines from Clos du Roy can be more elegant, aromatic, and approachable.

Other Reviews....
The very subtle, forest-berry nose pulls you into this concentrated and moderately rich wine with fine, chalky tannins and a long, graceful finish that makes you wonder why this appellation isn’t much more famous!
94 Points
Stuart Pigott - jamessuckling.com

The 2019 Marsannay Clos du Roy offers up aromas of cherries and wild berries, complemented by hints of wintergreen, warm spices, peonies and raw cocoa. Medium to full-bodied, lively and concentrated, with an enveloping core of fruit, velvety tannins and lively acids, it will offer a broad drinking window.
90-92 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Jan 2021)

A more deeply pitched nose speaks of plum, dark currant and warm earth. As the low yields would suggest, the middle weight flavors are very concentrated with excellent mid-palate density along with ample minerality on the caressing but powerful finish that is so saline that it's borderline salty. Impressive quality though note that at least some patience will be necessary. Drink 2027+.
91-93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound