Marsannay L'Ancestrale, Pataille 2023

Made from ancient horse managed vines, from several plots, 100% whole bunch, given a very long cuvaison, for a month or more. Sylvain starts with a bit of punch down and pump over, then leaves to its own devices. Then comes 24 months elevage, as for Chapître. The 2023 Ancestrale is almost opaque purple black. The bouquet is incredibly intense, dark plums and berries, l’Ancestrale is so far from being ready that it is hard to read, and clearly needs the additional ageing which it will get. Some tannins at the back. Ancestrale is an incredibly powerful Marsannay, built to last. Very impressive indeed! And the aftertaste will last me for the whole drive back.