2020 Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Blanc Clos du Roy

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.
Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish toned edges and a watery hue. Pronounced ripe peach and apricot aromas intermix with honeyed lemon butter like notes, roasted almonds, hints of crème brulee and spicy nougat. Quite refined and elegant, the mid weighted palate features ripe pear and apricot fruits over delicately honeyed roasted almonds, lemon butter, light nougat and flinty mineral elements. Lively with fresh acidity imparting an energetic feel onto the lengthy finish that’s both gracefully fleshed and focused.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews....
Striking nose of orange blossom and flint. On the upper edge of medium-bodied and still quite tight, the fine tannins pulling the very expressive citrus-fruit character together at the very mineral finish. Needs a bit of time to give its considerable best. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.
94 points
Stuart Pigott - jamessuckling.com

Cyril Audoin has turned in another superb performance in the 2020 vintage, delivering wines of perfume, energy and precision that transcend stereotypes of their appellation. Marsannay nourishes a number of high-quality domaines, and the village offers rich pickings for wine lovers, but Audoin might well be my favorite. What's more, anyone who laments rising prices in the Côte d'Or should take note of the terrific value this estate's wines represent, because quality at this level should honestly cost quite a bit more.
The 2020 Marsannay Clos du Roy Blanc is brilliant, revealing aromas of pear, lime zest, freshly baked bread, white flowers and buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny, its textural attack segues into a chiseled, electric mid-palate, concluding with a long, tangy finish. Drink 2023-2035.
92 points
William Kelley – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

A subtle dollop of wood is present on the citrus zest, green apple and floral-suffused nose. The wood can also be found on the palate of the medium-bodied flavors that exhibit good minerality on the youthfully austere, linear and bone-dry finale. Drink to 2024+.
89-91 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound