An earthy cast to the black cherry and black currant fruit sets the pace for this tight, sinewy red. There is a vein of fruit from beginning to end. A stony, mineral element chimes in as this stays compact and fresh through the finish. Best from 2022 through 2027. 140 cases imported.

I underestimated the 2018 Marsannay Clos du Roy (Domaine Gagey) from barrel, as it's showing better than I anticipated in bottle. Unwinding in the glass with notes of cherries, dark berry fruit, burning embers, plums and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered core of fruit framed by youthfully chalky tannins and lively acids. This will reward a bit of patience, but it's a sleeper of the vintage.