Laurent Ponsot Vosne-Romanee Les Beaux Monts Cuvee de l'Orme 2022

The "Elm Tree" – Structure and Savory Soul

In March 2026, the 2022 'Cuvée de l’Orme' (The Elm Tree) is being celebrated as a definitive expression of Morey-Saint-Denis village wine. In Laurent Ponsot’s botanical naming scheme, the Orme (Elm) represents a wine of solid structure, resilience, and grounded complexity. While the 2022 vintage brought significant warmth and concentration to the Côte de Nuits, Laurent’s high-tech, zero-new-oak approach has ensured that this "solar" fruit is balanced by a refreshing, savory mineral core.

Morey-Saint-Denis is often described as the bridge between the power of Gevrey-Chambertin and the elegance of Chambolle-Musigny. The 2022 Cuvée de l’Orme captures this perfectly—offering the "meatiness" of an Elm tree’s trunk with the "floral grace" of its leaves.

The Terroir: The Heart of Morey

• The Vibe: If Gevrey is "muscular" and Chambolle is "silky," Morey-Saint-Denis is "robust yet refined."

• The Sourcing: This cuvée is a masterclass in village-level blending. Laurent sources fruit from high-quality parcels across the village, ensuring the wine reflects the diverse limestone and clay soils that make Morey so unique.

• The "Zero-Oak" Edge: By using only old, neutral French oak barrels, Laurent allows the 2022’s deep, dark fruit to stay in the spotlight. The natural "spice" of the Morey terroir (wild herbs and earth) is never obscured by the "mask" of new wood.

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

Recent assessments from early 2026 describe a wine that is "solidly built" and strikingly aromatic.

• The Nose: Wide and Earthy. It leads with a powerful aroma of blackberries, wild plums, and dark cherries. As it sits in the glass, characteristic Morey notes of underbrush, licorice, and a hint of game emerge, alongside a subtle floral lift of violets.

• The Palate: Structured and Mouth-filling. The entry is broad and "dense." In 2026, tasters are noting a "crunchy" dark fruit core supported by tannins that are firm but "finely polished." There is a wonderful savory "umami" quality that balances the 2022 ripeness.

• The Finish: Persistent and Saline. It leaves a long, refreshing trail of crushed stones and tart black fruit, finishing with the vertical "snap" that is a hallmark of the Ponsot style.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The "Rustic" Match: Boeuf Bourguignon or a slow-cooked Lamb Shank; the wine’s structure and savory notes act as a perfect foil for rich, slow-braised meats.

• The Gamey Choice: Roasted Squab or Duck with a dark berry reduction; the wine’s dark fruit mirrors the intensity of the sauce.

• The Savory Finish: Mature Gruyère or Epoisses; the wine’s mineral "grit" and acidity cut through the creamy saltiness of the cheese.

Pro Tip: In 2026, critics suggest that because the 2022 Orme is a "sturdy" wine, it benefits from a 60-to-90-minute decant. This allows the "tightly coiled" tannins to relax and lets the licorice and black fruit aromatics truly expand. Serve at 16°C – 17°C. Don't forget to scan the NFC chip in the capsule to verify its perfect storage history!