Sylvain Pataille Marsannay L'Ancestrale 2021

Sylvain Pataille Marsannay L'Ancestrale is drawn from the domaine's oldest vines, chiefly a parcel of 90-year-old plantings in Clos du Roy.

Marsannay is the northernmost village appellation of the Côte de Nuits, and Clos du Roy is among its most respected sites, a candidate for premier cru status should the classification ever be revised. Sylvain Pataille's L'Ancestrale draws principally on a parcel of 90-year-old vines there, with additional fruit from Clémengeot and Les Ouzeloy. The winemaking matches the domaine's other top reds: whole-cluster pressing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, gentle extraction, no sulphur during élevage and a long maturation. The one difference is oak, with around half the barrels new, which Pataille says complements the density this cuvée carries. Everything is bottled unfiltered. It is the most substantial of the domaine's Marsannay reds and the one that most clearly repays cellaring.

Give it three to five years and drink over the following decade; serve with roast lamb, game birds or beef with mushrooms at 16-18°C.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.