2023 Lou Dumont Koji et Jae Hwa Marsannay "Le Desert"

2023 Lou Dumont Koji et Jae Hwa Marsannay “Le Désert” is a small‑production white Burgundy that captures the precision and quiet energy of this cool northern Côte de Nuits terroir. From a young 0.5‑hectare parcel in the Le Désert climat, the wine shows how seriously Marsannay can perform when farmed and vinified with focus. In the glass, it typically offers a lifted bouquet of white flowers, citrus peel and stone fruit, layered with subtle notes of nuts, honeycomb and biscuit from carefully judged oak ageing. The palate is taut yet textured, combining ripe fruit with a saline, limestone‑driven minerality that keeps everything linear and refreshing rather than heavy. Koji Nakada and Jae Hwa Park work with low yields and minimal manipulation, so the wine feels very pure, with bright acidity and a long, chiseled finish that should gain complexity over the next few years in bottle. For pairing, think grilled prawns, scallops, simply seasoned white fish or soft, creamy cheeses that will highlight its tension and depth.