Domaine Ponsot

“The results are as distinctive as the methods, but also profoundly impressive and proven to age magnificently…These are perhaps the most powerful wines in Burgundy…it is amazing how phenomenal Ponsot’s wines can be.” - Robert Parker

Since 1872 Domaine Ponsot has stood firm in Burgundy, containing one of the region's richest histories with incredible Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards like Clos de la Roche and Clos Saint-Denis, producing a multitude of world-class red and white wines. As a multi-generational family estate, Ponsot wines have cultivated a family legacy over the past 150 years. Now entering a new era, the Ponsot legacy is in great hands and looks to continue its past success.

Domaine Ponsot Wines: 19th Century Wines

Following the Franc-Prussian War in the early 1870s, William Ponsot purchased a plot of land in Clos de la Roche and set up his home there. As a member of the Dijon bourgeoisie, Ponsot was well-equipped to purchase and plant vines in the now-renowned Burgundy appellation. After a successful first 40 years of operation, Domaine Ponsot was hit hard by the phylloxera outbreak in the early 20th century, leading William to replant old white varieties with 100% Aligoté, a rarity in the region. As such, the wine has become Burgundy's only premier cru wine, illustrating Ponsot's trailblazing legacy. 

William Ponsot eventually passed the reigns to Hyppolite in 1920, who began bottling the entire harvest at the domaine a decade later, also a rarity at the time. The estate was then given control to his son Jean-Marie in 1957, then to Laurent and Rose-Marie in 1981. As the head winemaker, Laurent Ponsot lead Ponsot wines to incredible commercial success, preserving traditional winemaking methods and biodynamic farming in favor of following new trends across the region. After 35 years of golden heights in charge, Laurent left his family's longstanding business to open his estate, simply titled, Laurent Ponsot. 

Premier Cru and Grand Cru Vineyards

Domaine Ponsot lays claim to one of the greatest portfolios of vineyards in Burgundy, with an astonishing 10 Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites across the region. The estate's main stronghold is Clos de la Roche of which they held 3 of the 4 hectares from the original appelation. To this day, Ponsot produces its flagship wine from Clos de la Roche, which has been labeled one of Burgundy's greatest wines. They are the largest owners of vines on this land and produce 100% pinot noir, with the average at 58 years old.

Ponsot's other immaculate holding lies in Clos Saint-Denis, where the estate first farmed in 1982 and owns 0.7 hectares. This vineyard neighbors Clos de la Roche and produces wines more delicate and aromatic than its esteemed neighbors. With 100% pinot noir planted here, the fruit is concentrated and dark. Fruit was first planted on the vineyard in 1905, therefore, the 2005 label contained a special “Cuvée du Centenaire” etching. 

Ponsot Wine in the Cellar

Rather than following the pack and adhering to winemaking trends, Ponsot wine has remained firmly rooted in the family's traditional style. They have always opted for sustainable and organic methods, respecting the land and straying from using pesticides and other chemicals on the vines. Each process undergoes "la utte raisonnee," or measure control, where grapes are hand-picked into wicker baskets before being placed in small crates. Once transported to the cellar, the grapes are vinified in oak vats for 10-20 days and aged in used barrels for up to two years. Ponsot are very particular that each barrel must have been used for at least 5 years, disallowing the use of any new barrels. 

Since 2010, wines have been bottled in a new modern unit on the estate's domain, which is set at the top of Morey-Saint-Denis. Here, there are two barrel cellars, one of which is completely excavated out of the natural rock. 

Ponsot Clos de la Roche

The estate's flagship bottle, Ponsot Clos de la Roche, is created from one of Burgundy's top vineyards and has gained a reputation as a standard wine in the region. Made solely from pinot noir, this bottle has received acclaimed from Burgundy's top critic, Allen Meadows of Burghound. The 2005 was given an extremely rare 99-point rating, with Meadows stating, "it would be presumptuous to anoint this as the best ever but if it isn't, it will certainly take its rightful place among the very greatest." Meadows has only given one bottle a perfect 100-point rating in his esteemed career - the legendary 1945 Domaine de la Romanee Conti. As one of the region's top wines, the 2005 Ponsot is a must-have for any serious Burgundy collector. 

Choose from the immaculate Clos de la Roche label or Ponsot's nine other esteemed bottles, mixed between red and white labels. No matter which bottle you choose, every Ponsot will be a classic in your cellar.