The 2016 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir hails from the prestigious Burgundy region of France, specifically the Cote de Nuits sub-region in the Morey St Denis appellation. This wine, produced by Domaine Ponsot, is a red wine closed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 14.5 percent.
The wine has received high praise from multiple reviewers. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded it a remarkable 97 points, highlighting its complex bouquet of "juicy cherries, peonies, blood orange, licorice, raw cocoa, and espresso roast." The review notes its full-bodied, deep, and succulent palate, with a concentrated and layered mid-palate, and concludes with a long finish. The wine’s vibrant, elegant, and expressive nature makes it stand out, and the 2016 vintage is considered particularly well-suited to Ponsot's style. It was harvested on October 7 at a relatively high yield of 38 hectoliters per hectare, which is noteworthy given Ponsot’s typical standards.
Burghound also provided an excellent review, rating the wine at 94 points. The review comments on the wine's "ripe red berry, earth, and soft spice nuances," although a slight reduction in aroma was noted, which could be easily dissipated with quick aeration. The wine’s broad-shouldered flavors are accompanied by a lovely texture, thanks to the ample level of dry extract that envelops the firm tannins. The finish is described as serious and linear, displaying excellent power and length.
Another prominent review comes from John Gilman of View From The Cellar, who also rated it 97 points. Gilman describes the 2016 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes as “utterly brilliant,” with a deep and pure bouquet of "red and black cherries, plums, raw cocoa, gamebird, woodsmoke, and complex soil tones." On the palate, the wine is said to be pure and sappy with great fruit concentration, impeccable balance, and a long, complex, and vibrant finish. Gilman appreciates the wine's potential, noting it is as promising as any recent vintage of this cuvée.
In summary, the 2016 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes is a highly acclaimed wine with a complex bouquet, a deep and layered palate, and a promising future. It stands out for its balance, elegance, and expressive nature, making it a notable choice for Pinot Noir enthusiasts.