2020, Domaine Ponsot, GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 'Cuvée de l'Abeille'

From Les Epointures. 4 barrels made. This is the first vintage since 2012 for this cuvée as some of the young vines were good enough. A heady bright purple. The bouquet speaks of ripe raspberry but juicy, not cooked. Very concentrated, most alluring for young vines, with a medium to long fresh finish. Very good Gevrey, probably for drinking earlier rather than later, given the youth of the vines. **** 90-92 Jasper Morris MW.

The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvée l'Abeille is the first release since 2012 as the vines were replanted two years later. Because the fruit was so concentrated, the best part of the parcel was used to make this cuvée, and other parts declassified into Bourgogne Rouge. Black cherries, mulberry and light iris scents on the nose, there is a touch of marmalade surfacing here. The palate is medium-bodied with sweet tannins, a little confit-like, as if there was a touch of carbonic maceration on the finish, though that is because of the youthfulness of the vines rather than winemaking technique. Enjoy over 3-4 years. 87 Neal Martin.

Here too the cool and restrained nose is exceptionally fresh with its aromas of earthier and slightly riper red and dark raspberry. There is impressive volume for such young vines that display a sleek and caressing but punchy mouthfeel while displaying an appealing salinity on the clean, focused and moderately structured finale. Solid quality here. Outstanding. 89-91 Burghound.