Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Pommard Les Saussilles Premier Cru 2010
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Uniquely situated on the hillside bordering Beaune, the Premier Cru Saussilles Pommard is just above the small and famous Epenots vineyard and next to the Beaune Clos des Mouches. The name dates back to the Middle Ages: es Saucis or Saussaie, place planted with willows. The vines of this almost .8ha parcel were planted in 1925 (the oldest in the vineyard) from unknown rootstock. Hand-harvested into small crates, yields are around 20 hL/ha. Fermentation takes place naturally in gravity fed vats with indigenous yeasts and about a 15 day maceration time. Ageing takes place in oak barrels, maximum 30% new, for to 14-18 months depending on the vintage. After one racking without pump, bottling is done without fining or filtration.
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.