Denis Mortet Marsannay Les Longeroies 2022

“The 2022 Marsannay Les Longeroies was cropped at 35hL/ha as the vines are naturally low cropping due to the limestone soils. With around 50% whole bunches, this has an attractive nose with brambly black fruit, sous-bois and a touch of Japanese nori. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins. The 10% new oak is very judicious, and there’s a harmonious and persistent finish. A superb Marsannay.” 91-93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous

“Aromas of plums, red berries and peony introduce the 2022 Marsannay Les Longeroies, with a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy palate that’s textural and enveloping, with a succulent core of fruit and a nicely defined finish.” 89-90 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

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 commune and has been earmarked for promotion to 1er Cru (when they finally come through!). Longeroies faces south, and the two Mortet parcels sit mid-slope. One plot has 50-year-old vines; the other was planted with a Pinot Fin selection in 1992.

The aging consisted of 18 months in oak, only 10% new and the balance in one- and two-year-old barrels. This year, some 50% bunches were used, 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.