Laurent Ponsot d'Echezeaux Cuvee de l'erable 2022

The "Maple" – Harmonious Power and Seductive Texture

In March 2026, the 2022 'Cuvée de l’Érable' is being hailed as a triumph of the "solar" 2022 vintage. While the 2021 version was celebrated for its "cool-climate precision" and leaner floral profile, the 2022 leans into the natural generosity of the year. It offers a broader, more muscular expression of Echezeaux, yet—thanks to Laurent Ponsot's signature refusal to use new oak—it remains remarkably fresh and "vibrant" rather than heavy.

Echezeaux is a vast Grand Cru (nearly 38 hectares), and quality can vary wildly. Laurent’s "haute-couture" approach involves meticulously blending fruit from three distinct plots in three different lieux-dits. This ensures that the Cuvée de l'Érable captures a complete, multidimensional snapshot of the terroir: the elegance of the upper slopes combined with the power of the mid-sections.

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

Current reviews from early 2026 describe a wine that is "highly seductive" and surprisingly open for such a young Grand Cru.

• The Nose: Layered and Exotic. It opens with a "wonderfully spicy" perfume of black cherry and violet. As it sits in the glass, the 2022 warmth reveals complex notes of cassis, exotic tea, and a stunning range of spice elements, with just a hint of damp earth in the background.

• The Palate: Caressing and Muscular. The texture is the highlight—it is described as "gorgeously textured" and "velvety." It features concentrated red and dark fruit (raspberry and plum) backed by a significant depth. The tannins are "well-managed" and "grainy," providing a firm but polished structure.

• The Finish: Impeccable and Long. It leaves a persistent, balanced trail of dark fruit and savory minerals, showing excellent "punch" and vitality.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The "Autumnal" Match: Braised Pork with Chestnuts and Mushrooms; the wine’s deep and fleshy personality is a soulmate for savory, earthy winter dishes.

• The "Classic" Choice: Duck à l’Orange; the ripe fruit and spice elements of the 2022 vintage beautifully complement the rich, citrusy profile of the duck.

• The Refined Option: Truffle Risotto; the "mineral undertones" and silky tannins of the Érable act as a sophisticated bridge to the umami of the truffle.

Pro Tip: Laurent Ponsot’s 2022s are noted for their "harmony more than lace." In 2026, critics suggest that because the fruit is so concentrated, you should decant for 1–2 hours to allow the "exotic tea" and violet aromatics to fully release. Check the thermal sensor on your case—it’s your digital guarantee that the wine hasn’t been "cooked" during transport.