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Yann Durieux Tete de Ponts 2018

Yann Durieux Tete de Ponts 2018

HK$1,600
HK$1,600
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Dark Cherries, Balsamic Herbs, Polished Oak, and Radical Natural Burgundy Elegance

The 2018 Domaine Recrue des Sens "Tête de Ponts" by Yann Durieux is a profound, paradigm-shifting 100% Pinot Noir that pushes the boundaries of natural Burgundy. Produced by the former cellar master of Domaine Prieuré-Roch, this exceptional "Tête de cuvée" is crafted from a strict selection of the very best grapes from the "1er Ponts" parcels near the Abbaye de Saint Vivant in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. Uniquely within Durieux's lineup, the Tête de Ponts is matured entirely in new French oak barrels. The result is an ethereal yet powerful red bursting with aromas of black cherry, wild blueberry, balsamic herbs, leather, and dark spices. On the palate, it delivers rich, concentrated fruit layered over a robust tannin structure and electric natural acidity, offering remarkable finesse under a humble Vin de France label.
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Style Profile at a Glance

Attribute Profile Scale
Body Medium-Bodied, Rich & Structured ●●●●●
Sweetness Dry ●●●●●
Tannins Firm, Polished & Robust ●●●●●
Acidity High, Fresh & Pronounced ●●●●●
Oak Prominent & Luxurious (Aged 24 months in entirely new French oak) ●●●●●

Terroir & Domaine Craft

  • The "1er Ponts" Terroir: Sourced from exceptional, organically and biodynamically farmed Pinot Noir vines in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits near the historic Abbaye de Saint Vivant. The Tête de Ponts is the ultimate *tête de cuvée*—a rigorous selection of only the finest grapes from this high-potential clay and limestone parcel.
  • Radical Natural Vinification: Following a decade as the cellar master at the famed Prieuré-Roch, Yann Durieux launched Recrue des Sens to push natural winemaking to its absolute limits. The grapes undergo spontaneous whole-cluster fermentation and are bottled completely unfiltered and unfined with zero added sulfur. While Durieux typically avoids new oak to present his wines as puristically as possible, Tête de Ponts is the exception—destined purely for new barrels to match its immense structural power and concentration.

Highlights

  • 100% Pinot Noir grown under strict biodynamic practices in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits.
  • A highly sought-after 2018 vintage packed with dark cherries, blueberry, balsamic herbs, and dark spice.
  • Crafted by Yann Durieux; bottled as a Vin de France with zero added SO2, offering immense cellaring potential.

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Deep, slightly cloudy ruby-garnet, indicative of its unfiltered, natural style.
  • Nose: Intensely expressive and complex. It opens with deep aromas of black cherry, wild blueberry, and prunes, accompanied by balsamic herbs, leather, forest floor, and elegant notes of roasted coffee and dark spices from the new oak.
  • Palate: Dry, medium-bodied, and rich. The entry delivers concentrated dark fruit sap that is firmly supported by robust, chewy tannins and pronounced natural acidity. It remains exceptionally balanced, leading to an endlessly long, complex, and elegant finish.

Serving Suggestion

  • Temperature: Serve at 14–16°C to highlight its electric acidity and deep fruit character.
  • Decanting: A 1-to-2 hour decant is highly recommended. As a zero-sulfur natural wine, it benefits greatly from oxygen to blow off any initial reduction and allow the new oak and concentrated fruit to harmonize.
  • Western Pairing: Roasted duck breast, venison loin with dark berry reduction, wild mushroom risotto, or aged Comté cheese.
  • Asian Pairing: Peking duck, Taiwanese braised pork belly, Korean Galbi (marinated short ribs), or rich Soy-sauce chicken.

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