Domaine Charles Audoin lies in the picturesque village of Marsannay-la-Côte, just a short drive north of Gevrey-Chambertin, in the entrance to Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. This area boasts myriad soil types, enabling the production of world-class white, red and rosé. Although Marsannay has only enjoyed appellation classification since 1987, the history of this terroir is long and lofty. The dukes of Burgundy, dating back to the 1300’s, were known to prefer the wines derived from Marsannay’s soil above all others. There’s something special about this corner of Burgundy and this producer’s focus on each parcel’s unique expression is an incredible exemplification of that. Charles Audoin and his oenologist wife, Marie-Francoise, armed with four generations of wine knowledge and a hefty dose of foresight, founded Domaine Charles Audoin in 1972. Their estate rose to prominence seventeen years before Marsannay even received its own appellation status and was a major contributing factor to its classification. As the name Marsannay has risen once again, so has the Audoin name.

 

Domaine Charles Audoin began with only three hectares and has since grown to over fourteen hectares, which include some of the most respected sites in the village. In 2000, Charles and Marie-Francoise placed the reins of the family business in the capable hands of their son, Cyril, who has increasingly focused on vineyard health and heaping ample care on the family’s vineyards. After oenology school and years of hands-on experience in various vineyards around the world, this fifth-generation vigneron returned to the family, armed with experience, passion and focus toward single-vineyard production. Their vines average almost 50 years of age. This 2011 example from the La Charme aux Prêtres vineyard is one of their most prized single-parcel wines and is a profound expression of what fine Marsannay is capable of. The wine is produced with little use of new oak and bottled without fining and filtration, which allows the special terroir a distinct voice. From one of the family’s best sites and at its sweet spot of maturity, this is one of the best Burgundian values on the market.

 

This 2011 Marsannay displays a garnet red core with light garnet and orange hues on the rim, showing just a touch of maturity. The classic perfume we all crave in red Burgundy come to life on the nose with aromas of slightly dried red plum, black cherry, pomegranate and rhubarb then evolve into complex notes of wet leaves, grape stems, green tea, dried roses, tree moss, wet stones and elegant exotic spices. The medium-bodied palate boasts savory flavors and fruit reminiscent of the nose with an added lift of freshness, supple, velveteen tannins and beautiful balance that encapsulates Burgundian essence at its finest. This elegant expression of Pinot Noir does is lovely right now although it will impress any of you who are looking to amass a cellar of fine Burgundy. This wine does not need decanting; simply pull from the cellar and serve at 60 degrees in Burgundy stems. The wine will be enchanting and full of life within five short minutes.