Laurent Ponsot Griotte Chambertin Cuvee du Saule 2021

The "Willow" – The Ethereal Lolita of Grand Crus

In March 2026, the 2021 'Cuvée du Saule' (The Willow) is one of the most sought-after rarities in the Laurent Ponsot cellar. Griotte-Chambertin is the smallest of the Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Crus, and Laurent is its primary guardian, farming about one hectare of this tiny 2.7-hectare gem.

Laurent famously refers to Griotte as the "Lolita of Grand Crus" due to its seductive, precocious, and flirtatious nature. In the cool 2021 vintage, this cuvée has traded the "glossy" weight of warmer years for a haunting, saline transparency and a floral detail that is rarely achieved in the Côte de Nuits.

The Terroir: Limestone & Redcurrants

• The Vibe: If Chambertin is "the King" and Clos de Bèze is "the Queen," Griotte is the "Graceful Dancer." It is defined by finesse rather than force.

• The Site: The vineyard sits on a thin layer of stony soil over a hard limestone slab. A natural spring at the top of the plot (the name Griotte likely comes from ruotte, meaning "small stream") ensures the vines never lack moisture, even in dry years.

• The Style: Following the strict Ponsot protocol—no new oak and minimal intervention—the 2021 remains purely about the fruit. It captures the essence of the "Willow" tree: flexible, elegant, and surprisingly strong.

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

Current reviews from spring 2026 highlight a wine of "shimmering" clarity and exceptional aromatic "lift."

• The Nose: Exquisitely Floral. It leads with a "beguiling" bouquet of redcurrants, crushed strawberries, and pomegranate. It is famously more redcurrant than cherry (despite the name Griotte). High-toned notes of violets, rose petals, and a touch of white pepper add a crystalline layer.

• The Palate: Silky and "Lacy." The entry is medium-bodied and exceptionally well-defined. It features a "pithy" texture—resembling the skin of fresh summer berries—and a vibrant acidity that provides incredible energy. It feels weightless yet persistent.

• The Finish: Long and Saline. It leaves a mouth-watering trail of stony minerality and wild berries, finishing with a "vertical" snap that is pure and clean.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The "Perfect" Match: Poularde de Bresse (Bresse Chicken); Laurent insists this is the wine’s soulmate. The delicate white meat respects the wine’s silkiness.

• The "Coastal" Surprise: Seared Ahi Tuna with a peppercorn crust; the wine’s redcurrant acidity and mineral "nerve" handle the meaty fish brilliantly.

• The Simple Luxury: Truffled Brie or a young Comté; the wine’s floral lift provides a brilliant contrast to the creamy, earthy cheese.

Pro Tip: Because the 2021 'Saule' is so refined and aromatically delicate, do not over-decant. A brief 30-minute splash is enough to let the "reductive" notes dissipate. Serve it at 15–16°C—slightly cooler than a typical Grand Cru—to emphasize its floral and redcurrant vibrancy.