Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Clos du Roy '05
Dearest readers,
I imagine most of you are on some extravagant vacation and care little to hear about the business of wine at this moment, but for the diligent ones who want to ensure their fall meals are amply enriched by perplexing aromas, tune in.
I’ve just finished my studies in Tours and will be making my way back to Burgundy, where my heart resides, so let’s get back there so I can tell you about an understated godsend with the capacity for brilliance. I was just reading some of Clive’s latest book (and website) on the subject of Marsannay — the most northern commune of the Cote de Nuits, where there is an ocean of ‘decent’ wine made (some less so) and just 3 excellent producers — those who take the time and expense to hand harvest, and otherwise work naturally, thereby letting Marsannay truly communicate its fortitude and prettiness. Being a man of precision and true gentleness, giving patience and passion to his métier, Sylvain who went through the Dijon School and worked as a consulting oenologist until building up this excellent domaine, is highly respected by the more talented of his contemporaries.
Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Clos du Roy ‘05:
A 3-acre lieu-dit, planted in 1970 on hilly Bathonian limestone (thanks, Clive), I barrel-tasted the ‘05 at the Domaine in 2006 - but discovered (to my chagrin) that it was completely sold out, until today when a teeny amount has made itself available. Some new oak and stems - elegant, authentic, pure, juicy, fresh pinot noir, whose terroir expresses a touch of roasted strawberry and dark cherry, completed with that Burgundian perfume. Fine tannins, fully graceful. Those that really know and love Burgundy, know this wine. Drink now through 2015.
$42 per bottle - Compare at $125 at the restaurant because there is none to be found in wine shops.
Wine should be in by the end of the following week.
Gratefully, Mary
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By Mary Taylor
Mary Taylor, a Bostonian who has been involved the New York wine trade forever, recently moved full-time to Burgundy to send dispatches from the trenches: “It’s dirty work, but someone has to do it.” Mary is known for her love for elegant and nuanced European wines. She works for the Thoreau Wine Society, where members receive weekly wine offerings along with musings about life, love and travel (ThoreauWineSociety.com).
About The Humble Gourmand
The Humble Gourmand is published the first Friday of each month, edited by Alison L. McConnell, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and writer. It is designed to offer straightforward lessons and advice to aspiring cooks, oenophiles, and all other eaters and drinkers.
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