Domaine Charles Audoin Fixin Le Rozier 2023

Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Known for producing some of the best value wines in all of Burgundy, Charles Audoin founded his namesake domaine in 1972 with his oenologist wife Marie-Françoise. It’s now run by his son Cyril who manages 14 hectares of vineyards which are all farmed organically and include many of the top crus in Marsannay. The appellation of Fixin is next to famed Gevrey-Chambertin and tends to produce similar wines without the reputation or price-tag of its neighbor. These are known as “winter wines” because they tend to be firm when young and soften with some cellaring. Cyril uses a light touch in the winery for this cuvee, only using new oak barrels on 25% of the wine for 18 months. Hints of red cherries, blueberries, and delicate violets dominate on the nose, followed by deeper tones of anise and forest floor. On the palate there’s plenty of punchy tannins and a full body that will help this bottle age beautifully over the next few years. Or you could enjoy it now alongside hearty game dishes like venison that complement the savory character of this unique wine.