Laurent Ponsot Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru Cuvee du Saule 2020

Laurent Ponsot – Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 'Cuvée du Saule' 2020

The "Willow" – A Masterpiece of High-Definition Fruit

In early 2026, the 2020 'Cuvée du Saule' is being described by critics as a "benchmark" for what this tiny, prestigious Grand Cru can achieve in a warm, concentrated vintage. While the 2021 was defined by its "crystalline" and "floral" lace, the 2020 is a wine of intense power and crystalline precision. The 2020 vintage was one of the earliest on record, characterized by high heat and drought. However, the unique hydrology of Griotte-Chambertin (the "stream" vineyard) protected Laurent's vines from hydric stress. The result is a wine with surprising freshness (high acidity) despite having 15% ABV, a level of concentration that makes it one of the most "monumental" Griottes ever produced.

The Terroir: "Liquid Sunlight"

• The Vibe: If the 2021 was a "sketch," the 2020 is a "saturated 4K cinematic experience." It has a density and "gloss" that is almost neon in its intensity.

• The Site: Laurent farms over a hectare (nearly half the entire appellation). The natural spring at the top of the plot allowed the grapes to achieve full phenolic ripeness without the "cooked" flavors seen in other 2020s.

• The Zero-Oak Signature: Even with the massive concentration of 2020, Laurent used zero new oak. This decision was brilliant—it allowed the high-toned redcurrant soul of the wine to remain visible despite the vintage's natural "boldness."

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

Recent reviews from 2025/2026 highlight a wine that is "vibrating" with energy and complex, changing aromatics.

• The Nose: Explosive and Constantly Evolving. It leads with intense red cherry, minerals, and dried herbs. As it opens, it reveals a "home garden" of violets, lilac, and white flowers, underscored by deep notes of leather, bay leaf, and underbrush.

• The Palate: Concentrated and Powerful. The entry is "sweet and seductive" with a massive core of bing cherry and pomegranate. It possesses a "mouth-watering acidity" that perfectly balances the 15% alcohol, making it feel "lilting" rather than heavy.

• The Finish: Persistent and Saline. It leaves a very long, "vertical" finish with a tiny grain of silky tannin and a lingering note of mineral salts.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The "Classic" Union: Poularde de Bresse with Cream and Morilles; the wine’s volume and high acidity are a perfect "perfect union" for rich, high-quality poultry.

• The "Sophisticated" Match: Roasted Veal with a Redcurrant Reduction; the wine's characteristic groseille (redcurrant) note mirrors the sauce.

• The Exotic Choice: Peking Duck; the 2020's spice and concentrated fruit can stand up to the richness and sweet-savory glazes of the duck.

Pro Tip: In 2026, experts note that the 2020 Saule is "stunningly good" but powerful. Because of the high alcohol and concentration, decant for 2 hours to let the mineral and floral layers emerge from behind the initial "wall" of fruit. Serve at 16°C. Also, take a moment to scan the NFC chip in the capsule; for a 15% ABV wine, ensuring it was never exposed to heat during its early years is essential.