Laurent Ponsot Clos de Vougeot Cuvee du Cedre 2022

Laurent Ponsot – Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 'Cuvée du Cèdre' 2022

The "Cypress" Profile – Power Meets Radiant Harmony

In early 2026, the 2022 'Cuvée du Cèdre' is being recognized as a "modern classic" that perfectly balances the solar generosity of the 2022 vintage with the architectural strength of Clos de Vougeot. While the 2021 you looked at was all about "crystalline tension" and the 2018 was "broad-shouldered power," the 2022 sits in a beautiful middle ground—offering hedonistic richness without losing its mineral core.

Laurent Ponsot’s "haute-couture" approach is on full display here. By sourcing from eight different suppliers (plots) within the walled Clos and utilizing zero new oak, he has crafted a 2022 that avoids the "jammy" pitfalls of a warm year, instead delivering a wine of "sensual massiveness."

The Terroir: A "Grand" Mosaic

• The Vibe: If the 2021 was a "sketch," the 2022 is a "saturated oil painting." It is a wine of great volume and presence.

• The Site: Laurent’s share of this 50-hectare icon includes plots from the diverse soils of the Clos. In 2022, the clay-rich lower sections provided the "flesh," while the limestone-heavy upper sections provided the essential "nerve" to prevent the wine from feeling ponderous.

• The Name: The Cèdre (Cedar) continues to symbolize longevity and majesty, reflecting the wine's ability to evolve over decades despite its early approachability.

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

Current reviews from early 2026 describe the 2022 as a "crowd-pleaser with an intellectual soul."

• The Nose: Profound and Seductive. It opens with a wealth of black cherries, red currants, and plum liqueur. As it sits in the glass, the classic Ponsot "wild" side emerges: tobacco leaf, dried roses, licorice, and a hint of wild hedgerow fruits.

• The Palate: Massive yet Velvety. The entry is "broad and enveloping." In 2026, tasters are noting a surprising freshness (higher acidity than expected for the year) that cuts through the ripe, concentrated fruit. The tannins are "earthenware"—solid but finely textured.

• The Finish: Long and Harmonic. It leaves a persistent trail of black fruit, warm stone, and graphite, with a savory "snap" that calls for another sip.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The "Grand Table" Match: Beef Wellington with a truffle jus; the wine’s structure and fruit density are a match for the rich pastry and savory meat.

• The Rustic Choice: Lièvre à la Royale (Jugged Hare); the "wild and savory" notes of the 2022 'Cèdre' harmonize beautifully with gamey, rich sauces.

• The "Aged" Finish: Old Gouda or Brillat-Savarin with truffles; the wine’s fruit sweetness balances the salt of the cheese.

Pro Tip: In 2026, critics suggest that because the 2022 has such "massive" fruit, it is less fragile than the 2021. You can safely decant it for 2 hours to help the tannins integrate. As always with Laurent Ponsot, check the thermal indicator on the case—if it’s changed color, the wine may have been exposed to heat above 28°C!