2002 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru "Cuvée Vieilles Vignes"

This is one of Burgundy’s most revered, benchmark Grand Crus from its largest and most historic landowner: the Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru "Cuvée Vieilles Vignes" 2002. Crafted under Laurent Ponsot using ancient, low-yielding vines—some dating back to 1905—and aged strictly in old oak barrels with minimal sulfur, this iconic cuvée is the purest testament to the limestone power of Morey-Saint-Denis. From the legendary, near-perfect 2002 vintage, the wine has reached a glorious peak plateau of maturity. The nose unfurls with an aristocratic, multidimensional bouquet of macerated black cherries, wild raspberries, dried roses, and orange peel, layered with forest floor sous-bois, truffles, game, black tea, and crushed limestone minerality. On the palate, it is dense, broad-shouldered, and deeply sapid, carried by velvety, melted tannins and a vibrant streak of persistent acidity that drives into an expansive, savory, and remarkably haunting finish.

Highlights

• Vintage: 2002

• Region/Appellation: Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France

• Producer: Domaine Ponsot

• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir

• Style: Deep, Aristocratic, Powerful, Tertiary, and Legendary Benchmark Grand Cru Red Burgundy

• Perfect for (food pairing): Pan-roasted squab with truffle jus, slow-roasted rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic, roasted venison loin with juniper reduction, or pan-seared duck breast with cherry glaze. Its complex tertiary earthiness, wild mushroom nuances, and melted structure also make it an extraordinary companion for game bird casseroles, slow-braised pheasant, truffled pasta, duck confit, or a curated plate of mature artisanal cheeses such as an aged Comté, Époisses, or Saint-Nectaire.