"The 2019 Marsannay "Pur Pôt" is very elegant on the nose, a mixture of red and black fruit, pressed iris flowers and a light marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. Touch of salted liquorice here, fine weight with a distinctive, flower nose that is velvety in texture. Again, this will be very sensual and seductive once bottled. [NB: The name of this cuvée may change by the time of bottling as Laurent Fournier told me that he found an alternative spelling, hopefully one that does not sound like a brutal Cambodian dictator." RP

"From a sector called Pau du Fond within Clos du Roy. Imperial purple, 75% whole bunch, in new barrel for first year, then older. This is really very intense, though nearer to normal wines than P’tites Grumottes. Even so, not a wine for everyday use. The wood shows in rather hard tannins at the finish, though that will doubtless sort itself out before the wine reaches bottle." **** Jasper Morris MW

Le Pau is the correct name for this small plot in Clos du Roy. Laurent vinifies it separately from the old vines in the highest part of this (almost) Premier Cru, where there is only a thin layer of soil above the limestone. Even in 2019, this is an absolutely outstanding wine with a deep dark color, a very full, dense mouthfeel, and plenty of rich, fatty tannins. I almost hesitate to write it, but I’ve tasted Grand Cru wines from renowned producers that don’t come close to this level! What a wine!

Laurent Fournier is a rising star in the Burgundy world. His wines from Marsannay easily reach the level of those from Nuits or Gevrey, but at half the price. A must for true Burgundy lovers.