Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Rouge Chapitre 2021

Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Rouge Chapitre 2021

92+ pts William Kelley - Wine Advocate
Now included within the appellation of Marsannay, the 2021 Marsannay Le Chapitre exhibits aromas of cherries, wild berries, cinnamon, orange zest and peonies. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, it's concentrated and serious, with lively acids and a long, saline finish. Even in the giving 2021 vintage, this bottling will merit a bit of patience.

Size: 1.05 ha (2.61 ac) 
Variety: Pinot Noir 
Vine Age: 1/3 of vines planted each in 1950, 1980, 1990 
Terroir: Moderate to sleep slope, facing east. Light pink, gravelly (grèzes litées) soil. 270-300-meters elevation. 
Viticulture: Certified organic, biodynamic methods 
Vinification: 100% whole-cluster pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged for 18 months in barrel, low sulfur additions only at bottling. 
Etymology: This vineyard was once owned by the Chapter (Chapitre in French) of Autun Collegiate Church. The vines and the woods that lie above them were owned by the Archbishop of Autun, who originally planted the vines there. 
Site: Le Chapitre is 5 hectares (12.4 acres) with an elevation of 290 meters. It has a moderate to steep slope and faces east. When the Marsannay village appellation was created in 1987, the entire villages of Couchey and Marsannay, but only the southern part Chenôve was included. Because Le Chapitre lies north of the village, it was left out, yet, it is indisputably one of the greatest vineyards in this area. In his cellar, Sylvain pours it after his Clos du Roy. With the 2019 vintage, the INAO finally changed the classification of this vineyard from regional to village-level. 
Soil: The gravelly, calcium-rich soil is light in texture and light, pinkish brown in color. 
Geology: The majority of Le Chapitre sits on a thick layer of grèzes litées. This thick layer of unconsolidated limestone sits on top of the White Oolite limestone bedrock. Comblanchien limestone sits at the top of the slope above the vineyards and contributes to the slopewash. 
Sylvain’s parcel: It is located on the northern side of the clos. However, he has just acquired another parcel within the small clos, which he calls his “Little Jewel.” Sylvain’s parcels are at around 290-meters elevation.