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  • Nick's Import

2018 Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Au Champ Salomon

Burgundy, FRANCE
$79. 99
Bottle
$959.88 Dozen
Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2021-2029)
ABV: 13%
Closure: Cork

Finding true value in Burgundy is an increasingly rare commodity, despite the seemingly never ending search by consumers and importers alike. Of course it's easy to point to lesser known communes and we're done, but it's not always so straight forward as the wines rarely deliver the desired result. One commune however that has continued to excel is Marsannay in the north of the Cote d'Or, where a small group of growers are producing outstanding wines from this forgotten corner of Burgundy. Leading the charge is Domaine Charles Audoin, now run by the passionate and energetic fifth-generation vigneron, Cyril Audoin.

"Audoin continues to belong on any short list of the Côte de Nuits' finest values, and savvy consumers are advised to take note."
- William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Domaine Charles Audoin was formed in 1972 by Charles and his oenologist wife Marie-Francoise, starting with three hectares in Marsannay. Their holding has now grown to around 14 hectares that captures some of the best parcels in Marsannay. Their son Cyril joined his father in 2000, and is now in charge of both vineyard and winemaking activities for the Domaine. Cyril is increasingly focused on vineyard health, to deliver wines with pure varietal expression and a sense of place. They are among the most serious wines from the area, and while juicy and approachable young, have the capacity to age gracefully for many years.

Across the range there is a clear intent to showcase the various climats of Marsannay, as the six single vineyard wines each display a unique profile. In the north of the appellation are the Longeroies and Clos du Roy vineyards where the soils are lighter and produce softer, easier, and more forward wine styles. Further south the soils are deeper and give the wines from Clos de Jeu, Champ Salomon, and Favieres greater structure and a more compact style. Charme aux Pretres is a reddish brown gravel soil over a bed of limestone, and tends to produce an open knit wine with great structure. Many of these vineyards are destined to be reclassified premier cru status in the upcoming review.

Situated in the southern part of Marsannay, Au Champ Salomon is one of the premier vineyards in this Couchey sector. The vineyard is well placed on the mid-slope, and produces wines that combine power and elegance, and a propensity to age extremely well.


Deep dark red black tinged colour with a bright red hue. Very perfumed, the nose offers up a delightful bouquet of violets, strawberries and ripe red to dark cherries along with hints of anise, fresh herbs, light forest floor and subtle spicy cedar notes. Light, vibrant and supplely textured, the highly savoury palate is layered with spicy red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits which meld into elements of anise, forest floor and delicate spicy cedar. Excellent drive and freshness with velvety tannins and a long moreish aftertaste.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews....
Scents of cherries, raspberries, orange rind and dried flowers introduce the 2018 Marsannay Au Champ Salomon, a medium to full-bodied, lively wine that's deep and concentrated but more introverted than the other lieux-dits bottlings that preceded it. The raw materials, however, are decidedly promising.
90-92+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Feb 2020)

A top note of menthol is present on the herbal tea, red cherry, raspberry and soft earth wisps. There is first-rate intensity to the beautifully well-detailed and mineral-driven flavors that coat the palate with dry extract while delivering excellent length on the firm, serious and equally built-to-age finale. Good stuff.
90-93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound