Laurent Ponsot Gevrey-Chambertin En Ergot Cuvée du Mélèze 2021

Laurent Ponsot bottles this village Gevrey-Chambertin from the En Ergot lieu-dit in the Côte de Nuits, the heart of red Burgundy. The vineyards sit on limestone and clay-marl soils over a stony subsoil that drains well and reflects warmth back to the vines, ripening Pinot Noir while keeping the wine taut. The cool continental climate and wide day-to-night temperature swing preserve the acidity and aromatic lift that mark Gevrey. The 2021 vintage was cool and small, favouring perfume and freshness over power. Ageing in barrel lets slow oxygen exchange through the wood round out the tannin and add gentle spice while keeping the red fruit clear. It pours a bright ruby. The nose shows red cherry, redcurrant and red berries, with rose and a damp-earth note. The palate is medium-bodied and savoury, with fine grippy tannin, fresh acidity and a clean mineral finish that runs long. This is classic Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir, built for the table rather than for early gulping. Serve at 16 degrees in a wide bowl, ideally after thirty minutes of air. It suits roast birds, game and mushroom dishes.