The 2020 Domaine Ponsot Clos de Vougeot Vieilles Vignes is a Pinot Noir originating from the renowned Burgundy region of France, specifically the Cote de Nuits sub-region in the Vougeot appellation. This red wine, produced by Domaine Ponsot, is noted for its exceptional quality and intricate flavor profile.
Decanter awarded this wine a remarkable score of 95, praising its "delightfully limpid purity of fruit." The review highlights how the warmth of the 2020 vintage has resulted in a wine that is both "velvety and dense," yet avoids being overly heavy or tannic. The fruit for this wine is sourced from the Clos in Petit Maupertuis, situated beneath Grands Echézeaux. Decanter also notes that Domaine Ponsot's distinctive vinification method, which includes destemming all grapes, gentle extraction, and aging without new oak and minimal sulphur, yields "satisfying results."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the wine highly, with a score in the range of 93-95 points. The publication describes the wine as having "aromas of red berries, plums, and cassis mingled with exotic spices and incense." It goes on to characterize the wine as "full-bodied, rich and layered," with a muscular and vibrant presence that displays "considerable concentration and an abundance of ripe, powdery tannins." However, the reviewer advises that this "very promising cuvée" will require patience to reach its full potential.
Jasper Morris from Inside Burgundy gave the wine an even higher score, ranging from 93-96 points. Morris highlights the wine's "rich heady purple" color and praises its nose, which features "more open fruit than many of the Ponsot 2020s at this stage." He notes the presence of "dark but not black fruit," and commends the excellent thread of acidity, ripe tannins, and overall structure and stature of the wine. The fruit is described as "very attractive," adding to the wine's appeal.
Overall, the 2020 Domaine Ponsot Clos de Vougeot Vieilles Vignes is a well-crafted Pinot Noir that has garnered impressive reviews for its purity, complexity, and potential for aging. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, it stands out as a noteworthy offering from Domaine Ponsot, reflecting the quality and tradition of Burgundy winemaking.