2022 Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligote

Sylvain Pataille has been instrumental in raising the profile of Marsannay since founding his domaine in 1999. Farming around 17 hectares biodynamically, he works with a remarkable diversity of sites, from old-vine Pinot Noir to rare Aligoté Doré and Pinot Beurot, and is known for sensitive, terroir-driven élevage with a high proportion of whole bunches. His work has been central to the ongoing push for premier cru recognition in Marsannay, and his wines are frequently cited as reference points for the appellation. They combine clarity and lift with impressive depth, proving that Marsannay belongs firmly among the most serious terroirs of the Côte de Nuits.

This is the only blended Aligoté in the Pataille range. Half the fruit is harvested from old-vine Aligoté Doré in Marsannay itself, including fruit from Champ Forey on limestone and gravel, and the balance coming from Échevronne in Hautes Côtes, above Corton. The average age of the vines across the two parcels is more than 50 years, and although this is Pataille’s entry-level Aligoté, you can immediately feel the depth and energy born from the old vines and low yields. The wine ferments naturally in stainless steel before maturation in old foudre and then goes back to stainless steel for four months before bottling.

Other Reviews....
A very aligoté nose of green apple, citrus and spice introduces racy, delicious and softly stony middle weight flavors that terminate in a dry, clean and refreshing finish that offers better depth and persistence than is typical for the genre. Worth a look. Drink through 2025+.
87 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2022 Bourgogne Aligoté, mostly aged in foudres nowadays, was the only cuvée that had been bottled by the time of my visit. With light apple blossom and waxy aromas in the glass, the well-balanced palate is fresh, finishing with a touch of lemongrass. Enjoy over the next couple of years. Drink 2024-2030.
86 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

In bottle. Mid lemon yellow. A fine tangy fruit on the nose, crunchy and classy, a little bit of almond paste, very long. Just a lovely example, straightforward by Sylvain’s standards but so persistent. Drink from 2024-2027.
88 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy