Domaine Regnaudot consists of seven hectares of vineyards primarily in Maranges, the southernmost village in the Côte d'Or. Florian took over the domaine from his father, Bernard, in 2014, and since has become one of the most exciting talents in Burgundy. His domaine is blessed with an abundance of old vines, which Florian tends to with the utmost care and respect. His most prized Pinot Noir comes from Le Clos des Rois Premier Cru in two different plots: one planted in 1978, the other in 1933! Le Clos des Rois — one of seven Premier Cru vineyards in Maranges — is sub-divided into small collections of vines by banks of piled-up of stones called murgers. Maranges is a local version of murgers, and this is where the name of the appellation comes from. Such is Florian's pride in the region, and its vineyards and wines, that he is the Vice-President of Le Organisation de Défense et de Gestion de l'appellation Maranges, a group of vignerons in the village that promote their special terroir.

The average age of the Pinot Noir vines in Le Clos des Rois is just under 69 years old, and the old-vine concentration and finesse comes across brilliantly in this wine. It displays a beautiful light cherry color with garnet highlights. When you first swirl the wine, the aromas permeate the air before you even get your nose in the glass. Enchanting aromatics of cherry, strawberry and dried flowers dance with an enticing earthiness combined with a stony minerality that is all underlaid by a subtle spice note. The palate is harmonious and impeccably balanced with svelte tannins framing an abundance of concentrated red fruits that are buoyed by an uplifting acidity. The finish is long and persistent, showing a fabulous interplay of fruit, minerality and savory herbs and spice that goes on forever: this is a wine that just won't quit. And this is just the first sip! After time in the glass and bottle, the wine blossoms and opens up even more to reveal incredible depth of flavor and complexity. This is truly a wine for kings, one that illustrates how an ambitious, next-generation winemaker can, not only carry the torch, but make it burn even brighter than before.