Domaine Marc Roy Clos Prieur, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, France

Situated immediately below the celebrated Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru, Clos Prieur is a compelling example of how exceptional village-level Burgundy can be. The 2022 Domaine Marc Roy Clos Prieur draws on old Pinot Noir vines rooted in iron-rich clay and limestone, capturing the depth of Gevrey-Chambertin through Alexandrine Roy's precise, restrained approach to winemaking. The result is a beautifully composed wine whose elegance is matched by remarkable vineyard character.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
• Vine Age: Over 70 years
• Soil Type: Iron-rich clay over limestone
• Vineyard Farming: Sustainable vineyard management, including soil cultivation and careful yield control
• Harvest: Hand-harvested and carefully selected
• Vinification: Fully destemmed grapes, fermented with indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction
• Fermentation Vessel: Stainless steel
• Maturation: 11 months in French oak barrels, comprising 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old barrels
• Closure: Cork
• Winemaker/ Owner: Alexandrine Roy

Sensory Description:

An expressive bouquet of raspberry, redcurrant and ripe cherry unfolds alongside darker plum notes, delicate florals and subtle spice. Hints of black pepper, woodland earth and crushed stone introduce an appealing savoury dimension. The medium-bodied palate is poised and energetic, revealing pure red fruit, lively acidity and finely woven tannins. A discreet oak influence lends texture without obscuring the wine's mineral definition, while the elegant, persistent finish carries notes of spice and stony freshness. Refined rather than imposing, this is a beautifully layered Gevrey-Chambertin with both immediate charm and ageing potential.

Awards & Accolades:

• 90–92 Points: Neal Martin, Vinous, January 2024, barrel-sample assessment of the 2022 vintage.

Winemaker's Background:

Domaine Marc Roy is a small family-owned estate in Gevrey-Chambertin, with approximately four hectares of vineyards divided among a dozen parcels. Representing the family's fourth generation, Alexandrine Roy oversees the domaine with the continued support of her father, Marc, whose work helped establish its reputation. Although the estate holds no Grand Cru vineyards, its carefully tended village sites consistently produce wines of exceptional finesse and depth. Alexandrine places particular emphasis on vineyard health, soil cultivation, low yields and meticulous fruit selection, followed by gentle extraction and indigenous fermentation in the cellar. Her approach preserves the purity of Pinot Noir while allowing the character of each vineyard to emerge with clarity and precision.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 15–17°C in a Burgundy glass to showcase its aromatic detail and silky texture. When enjoyed young, allow approximately 30–45 minutes of aeration to reveal its layered fruit and savoury complexity. An excellent partner for roast duck, herb-crusted lamb, guinea fowl, wild mushroom risotto or veal with a delicate jus. Approachable now, the wine also offers rewarding cellaring potential through 2035 and potentially beyond under suitable storage conditions.