Marsannay "Les Longeroies" 2016, Bruno Clair

The Domaine Bruno Clair has a sky-high reputation and because they are based in Marsannay this is always a benchmark for the village appellation. Marsannay was severely affected by frost in 2016 so the grapes made to produce this wine are true survivors. On the nose this Marsannay perfectly expresses pinot berry fruit dominated by wild strawberry. The aromas are ripe and pleasant. There is also a more savoury hint of cobnut and beechnut husk. Also good. Lovely ripe berry fruit, rounded, mineral. This Marsannay 2016 scores 74-77/100 and at £320 per 12 bottle case in bond from Justerini & Brooks it is one of the very few good value wines of the 2016 vintage. Nevertheless this is still £34.60 per bottle retail which would be the price for a Gevrey 1er Cru from the 2012, 2013 or 2014 vintages.