Laurent Ponsot
Cuvée du Saule Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru
Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru
2020
Vintage
Varietal
Pinot Noir
ABV
Where it is, July 2026
At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2023-2042).
In 2026, this Griotte-Chambertin sits at peak, but it is a young peak with plenty of structure and fruit still ahead. The live arc runs through 2042, so the wine can be opened for plush, seductive Pinot now or held for more tertiary detail. Context lives in the [Burgundy hub](/wines/region/burgundy), [Pinot Noir hub](/wines/varietal/pinot-noir), and sibling [A.-F. Gros Richebourg 2023](/wines/a-f-gros/richebourg-grand-cru/2023). Expect generosity before full maturity.
Related vintages
- 2022Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'Aux Malconsorts'
Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'Malconsorts', France · Peak 2035-2050
- 2022Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Gruenchers'
Burgundy · Peak 2027-2049
- 2022Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'Les Beaux Monts'
Vosne-Romanée · Peak 2025-2046
- 2021Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru
Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru, Morey-Saint-Denis, France · Peak 2034-2045
- 2020Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru
Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, France · Peak 2030-2050
The ‘20 Cuvée du Saule Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru.
Laurent Ponsot Griotte-Chambertin 2020 is grand cru Burgundy at peak with ripe fruit, silk and rare-site depth.
Drinking window
Tasting note
The 2020 Laurent Ponsot Cuvee du Saule Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru should be one of the more immediately seductive wines in this batch. The source note gives plum, black cherry, spice, subtle earth and a floral top note, with generously proportioned middleweight flavors and dense fine-grained tannins. In 2026, the wine should show ripe dark cherry, redcurrant, peony, sweet spice and a supple core that feels fuller than village Burgundy but less severe than many Gevrey grand crus. The finish should be silky, floral and persistent, with enough tannin to keep the plush fruit from spreading out. Freshness keeps the ripe texture balanced.
The 2020 vintage
The live table marks 2020 Griotte-Chambertin as Wine Spectator 96 Classic and describes an early harvest that yielded big, powerful reds with immediate gratification, while the best stayed fresh and balanced. BIVB’s 2020 report also notes very early budburst, harvest beginning August 12 in the Mâconnais and high summer temperatures with little rainfall. For Griotte, that warmth supports ripe texture, but the best bottles retain freshness.
About Laurent Ponsot
Laurent Ponsot’s official Griotte-Chambertin page describes one of the smallest grand cru production areas, about 2.5 hectares, and notes that Laurent Ponsot works over one hectare while also buying grapes. The house describes the wines as generous, silky and full-bodied, with redcurrant as a characteristic aroma. That specificity makes this page distinct from a generic Gevrey grand cru note: rare site, plush texture and redcurrant lift.
From the cellar: pair with
Roast squab with cherry jus
The fine tannin, red-fruit core and lifted spice meet game bird richness without overwhelming the wine.
Mushroom pithivier
Earthy pastry and mushroom depth echo the savory Vosne side while the acidity keeps the dish clean.
Duck breast with five-spice
Moderate body, bright acidity and stem spice can handle gentle sweetness and aromatic seasoning.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 60-64F (16-18C)
- Decanting
- If opened before 2030, decant for 90 minutes and serve in Burgundy stems. From 2030 onward, use 30 to 45 minutes and watch the perfume closely.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, bottle on its side.
The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.
More from Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru
Frequently Asked
When should I drink Dujac Beaux Monts 2019?
The page arc says the window opens in 2027 and peak begins in 2030, so in 2026 this is still early. Hold if you want silkier tannin and more savory Vosne complexity.
Should I decant it now?
If opened before 2030, decant for 90 minutes and serve in Burgundy stems. The goal is air without stripping perfume, because the wine is still built on freshness and fine structure.
What should I pair with it?
Choose dishes with delicate richness rather than heavy char. Squab, duck, mushrooms, truffle pasta and mild game work because the wine has acidity, red fruit and spice rather than massive weight.
Is there a better vintage to open first?
If you own a mature Dujac Beaux Monts or a softer 2017 Burgundy, open that before this 2019. This bottle has the structure and vintage depth to justify more cellar time.