Louis Jadot Pommard Grands Epenot 2006
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Grands-Epenots is one of two vineyards, the other of which is Les Petits-Epenots, which comprise the Epenots premier cru. Each of these in turn is comprised of two plots, totalling 49 acres in Petits-Epenots and 26.5 acres in Grands-Epenots, making Epenots by far the largest of Pommard's premiers crus, with 75.5 acres. When blended across the two vineyards, only the Epenots designation is used; when not, "Grands-" or "Petits-" is prefixed. Less rustic than most of Pommard's premiers crus, the Epenots are also earlier to mature. Maison Louis Jadot vinifies the production of growers situated in Grands-Epenots to yield a rich, full-fruited and supple wine with the round, plummy fruit and well-knit structure which typify this premier cru.
"Palish red. Reticent but pure aromas of redcurrant and iron. Silky and fine-grained, with a subtle sweetness and a pliant texture. A light, suave wine that finishes with sweet tannins and very good aromatic persistence."
-International Wine Cellar 88-90
Other Vintages
1996-
Parker
Robert
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Representing some of the darkest, deepest and sturdiest Pinot Noir of Burgundy, Pommard is one of the two villages in Côte de Beaune—along with Volnay—that is recognized for its impressive Pinot Noir. While it can’t boast any Grands Crus vineyards, its extraordinary Premiers Crus vineyards are aplenty.
Les Pézerolles, Les Épenots, Clos des Épeneaux, Les Chanlins, Les Jarolières, Les Fremiers and particularly Les Rugiens are among the most outstanding Premiers Crus.
The best Pommards will be concentrated in flavors such as black cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate, have dazzling aromas of violets, menthol or wild herbs and a firm and powerful finish. They typically demand some time in the bottle to reach their peak.