BRUNO CLAIR MARSANNAY LES VAUDENELLES 2022

The southeast-facing Les Vaudenelles vineyard stands as a hidden gem in Bruno Clair's Marsannay portfolio, situated at an impressive 320 meters elevation where uniformly aged Pinot Noir vines (planted 1976) extract distinctive mineral character from clay-limestone soils atop rare Ostrea acuminata fossil-rich subsoil. This unique terroir in the northern Côte de Nuits captures optimal morning sunlight while the elevated position ensures perfect ripening balanced with crucial acidity retention. Clair's winemaking approach for this 1.27-hectare site is notably restrained, using just 10-20% whole clusters during the 10-15 day wooden vat maceration before aging 18-20 months in French oak (25% new). The 2022 vintage reveals a luminous ruby color and enticing fresh fruit aromatics that carry through to a palate marked by vibrant freshness and impeccable balance—a sophisticated expression requiring at least three years of patience to fully unfold.