“Pataille is proof that major Burgundy can come from a minor address.” – Jancis Robinson, on the humble village of Marsannay.
The 2022 Marsannay Les Longeroies offers open red cherry and raspberry coulis scents on the nose-one of the most generous at the moment amongst Pataille's 2022s. The pr bodied with fine, slightly flinty red fruit and fine delineation, finishing with impressive focus. Plenty of energy coiled up in this Marsannay. Excellent. Neal Martin 91-93
Sylvain Pataille’s father, a bus driver by trade, spent all his free time helping in a friend’s vineyards. Sylvan’s uncle owned an estate in the Medoc that the family visited every summer. Even as a child, Sylvain knew that he too belonged in the vineyards. In 1999, he started with one mere hectare, and slowly grew his estate to 15 hectares. Years of trusting his vision have paid off.
Sourced from the Bas des Longeroies, the most prized section of this large vineyard, the 2022 Marsannay reflects the unique interplay of its southeast-facing slope and complex, gravelly soils. With vines planted in both the mid-1950s and early 2000s, the wine benefits from a blend of maturity and youthful vigor, embodying the energy and elegance of the vintage. Pataille’s low-intervention approach shines here: 100% whole-cluster pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation, and a gentle touch during extraction create a wine that is both vibrant and deeply expressive. Aged for 18 months in barrel (15% new) with minimal sulfur, the result is a Pinot Noir of exceptional clarity and focus.
On the nose, it’s an explosion of generosity—red cherry and raspberry coulis, underscored by a peppery energy that reflects the use of whole clusters. The palate balances this exuberance with fine tannins, a hint of flint, and remarkable depth. As Jasper Morris noted, this wine feels almost too expansive for a single glass yet remains beautifully controlled, a testament to Pataille’s skill.
Marsannay’s unique geology is on full display in this wine. The terroir layers young rock formations, including pink Prémeaux limestone and Comblanchien limestone, with deposits of sandy marl and ancient alluvium from the Ouche riverbed. These influences lend the wine its structure, minerality, and depth, culminating in a long, focused finish.
With its certified organic and biodynamic viticulture, exceptional vineyard site, and meticulous craftsmanship, the 2022 Marsannay Les Longeroies represents the best of Sylvain Pataille’s philosophy. Its complexity, balance, and aging potential make it an essential addition to any cellar.
