2020 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....
Quite closed, with a cool nose of raspberry, redcurrant and lemon zest, this has an imposing tannin structure and excellent concentration. Although only a lieut-dit (an unclassified vineyard site), this has what we expect from top 1er Cru sites and has clearly been built for the long term. So much spice and a touch of coffee bean at the very long, precisely balanced finish. Drink or hold.
95 points
Stuart Pigott - jamessuckling.com

Ripe and agreeably fresh aromas include those of poached plum, dark currant and pretty spice nuances. The overtly earthy medium-bodied flavors possess excellent concentration and power while exuding evident minerality on the palate coating, minerality driven and youthfully austere finale that displays very fine length. This beauty is one to strongly consider. Drink to 2028+.
91-94 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound