Denis Mortet Marsannay Les Longeroies 2021

The vineyard name, Les Longeroies, probably comes from the French verb longer, which means ‘to border’. This makes sense as Longeroies is on the boundary between Marsannay and the next village of Chenôve. It is one of the star climats of the AOC and has been earmarked for promotion to 1er Cru (when Marsannay finally gets some!). Longeroies faces south, and the two Mortet parcels sit mid-slope. One is 50 years old, and the other was planted with a Pinot Fin selection in 1992.

The aging consisted of 18 months in oak, only 5% new and the balance in one- and two-year-old barrels. Some 60% bunches were used this year, the highest ever for this cuvée. Although the prices are now rising, Marsannay remains one of the last great-value appellations of the Côte, and this is certainly one of its very best examples.

“The colour is no deeper than the Bourgogne Rouge, and there is no more immediately evident on the nose. There is light and tight raspberry fruit, that then concentrates more at the back, with the stems showing much more prominently. Less together than the Bourgogne today but with promise. Kicks on right at the end.” 89-91 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy

“The 2021 Marsannay Les Longeroies, matured with 60% new oak, is a little candied on the nose, pretty with a hint of cough candy. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fine mineralité with a precise and persistent finish. Lovely.” 90-92 points, Neal Martin Vinous