Pataille/Sylvain Marsannay L’Ancestrale 2019

91-94 points/’Outstanding/Top value,’ Allen Meadows (Burghound): “(from a mix of vines that range from 60 to 80+ years of age; 90% whole cluster). This is aromatically similar to the Le Chapitre though it’s even spicier. There is terrific punch to the denser and more powerful yet quite elegant and refined medium-bodied flavors that brim with both minerality and dry extract before terminating in a driving, firmly structured and striking long finish. Once again, it’s not easy to find this level of quality though if you are able to find a few bottles, be sure to allow them at least some bottle aging. Drink: 2029+. (Jan 2021)”

91-93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): “The 2019 Marsannay “L’Ancestrale” has a gorgeous mulberry scented bouquet with heather and a touch of peppermint in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with good grip on the entry, redcurrant and cranberry fruit, very saline on the finish with very good length. There is a sense of…”bounce” in this Marsannay. (Dec 2020)”