The Audoin family have been making wine in Marsannay for five generations, but the modern domaine was created by the visionary Charles Audoin in the 1970s who took the bold decision to start bottling and selling wines under the family name. Charles also expanded the family’s holdings from 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares before handing the domaine over to his young son Cyril. Today the property is regarded as a “Marsannay reference point” by Wine Advocate and offers incredible value for money compared with the appellation’s pricier neighbours.
Amongst the family’s top plots is the Les Favieres plot which is widely expected to be given Premier Cru status in the near future. As with all the family’s vineyards, the grapes are farmed organically and the wines bottled without fining or filtration. Their Les Favieres is consistently ranked as one of the domaine’s best reds thanks to the terroir which favours well-structured wines which can age for very long periods.
Intense berries and plums dominate on the nose, underscored by deeper notes of forest floor, woodsmoke and spice from the oak ageing. On the palate there are multiple layers of rich fruit along with firm tannins and a long finish seasoned with tobacco leaf and earthy notes. Keep in the cellar for a bit longer or enjoy now alongside rich duck dishes or hearty stews.