Pataille/Sylvain Marsannay L'Ancestrale 2022

96 points Charles Curtis, MW (Decanter): "This thrilling wine is deeply complex without any heaviness at all. The initial attack begins with seductive aromas of ripe cassis and mulberry fruit and hints of smoke, earth, spice, and mint. The texture is approachable and supple, yet the finish is long and refined. The grapes come from a collection of Pataille's favourite parcels, including 90-year-old vines in the Clos de Roy and others in En Clémengeot and Les Ouzeloy, all of them left unhedged in a v-shaped goblet form (tressé) and worked by horse, farmed organically with biodynamic methods to make this spectacular wine. Drinking Window: 2032-2075. (11/2/23)"

91-94 points/'Outstanding/Top value,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a mix of vines that range from 60 to 80+ years of age in the vineyards of Clemongeot, Ouzeloy, Clos du Roy and Le Chapitre; 90% whole cluster). A discreet application of wood suffuses the ripe, cool and fresh aromas of spiced plum, various dark berries and a plethora of spice and floral scents. The delicious, intense and equally sleek medium weight flavors possess even better mid-palate density thanks to the abundance of sappy dry extract that buffers the firm but fine tannins shaping the youthfully austere and sneaky long finale. Excellent. Drink: 2032+. (Jan 2024)"

91-93 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "Still in barrel, unracked. A complete and even purple. The nose is balanced and stylish with great intensity. The fruit is ripe enough to offer a floral aspect. Seamless, effortless, still a baby, with perfect proportions and a very long dark fruit finish. (Nov 2023)"

91-93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2022 Marsannay L'Ancestrale has a detailed bouquet with black cherries, blackcurrant juice and hints of brine blossoming in the glass despite not having been racked. The medium-bodied palate has finely sculpted tannins, cohesive and delineated with a smudge of dark chocolate towards the finish. Superb. Drink: 2026-2040. (Jan 2024)"