Domaine Michel Mallard et Fils - Ladoix 1er Cru 'Les Joyeuses' 2022

Michel Mallard and sons' vineyard is attentive to the development of their terroirs. Sometimes, that is a confusing concept for the neophyte but is meaningless in Burgundy. Shaped by nature but revealed by man, the terroir consists of differents elements.

The vector between this environment and the hand of man is the grape variety. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will imbue characteristics of their environment by adding their specificities and their aromatic signature. The team in the vineyard composed of Dino, Rosa, Vincent and Françoise, survey different plots every day constituting the area to trim, select, rebalance, sculpt, aerate the precious fruit.

Rooted in soil, vine draws water and mineral nutrients necessary to grow and flourish. Close and yet so different, soils are mobilizing attention and the vigilance of the team to meet at best the microbial life. Ploughing and roughness occurduring the season to contain the development of weeds.

The footprint of the vintage and the climate are importants factors in the concept of terroir. Sometimes capricious and detrimental, sometimes merciful and saving, it affects quality and quantity for each parcel in the vineyard. Man, to counter these climatic shocks, demonstrated an adaptation and a remarkable ingenuity in the management of this heritage. A perpetual challenge's to improve its approach and practice in the cultivation of the vine.

This Ladoix 1er Cru Les Joyeuses, is designed to be kept for many years, it is aged 15 months in 40% new wood casks (228L Burgundian tuns).

“Mallard has just over a third of a hectare in this east-facing, mid-slope climat, essentially a premier cru continuation of the Corton slope. The vines deliver a less full-bodied and exuberant wine than La Corvée, yet there is impressive elegance here, with a currant fruit aroma and hints of earth, a silky texture, softer tannins, and a pleasantly lingering finish. The grapes are carefully sorted, and half are fermented as whole clusters before ageing in cask (40% new).” - 94 Points, Decanter

“The 2022 Ladoix Les Joyeuses 1er Cru contains 60% whole bunches and was raised in 50% new oak. It has a cohesive and elegant nose with cranberry and wild strawberry fruit - a little more delicate but utterly charming. The medium-bodied palate has fine-grain tannins, very harmonious, the whole bunches integrated with a bitter cherry finish.” - 93 Points, Vinous

"A medium deep crimson in colour. The bouquet is exemplary, strawberries and alpine strawberries, elegance with depth, middleweight, some wood tannins along with adequate acidity, a fine sense of precision. This will surely grow from here.” - 92 Points, Jasper Morris

Producer: Domaine Michel Mallard et Fils 

Country: France 

Region: Burgundy

Varietal: Pinot Noir 

Appellation: Ladoix 1er Cru 

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml