Winemaker Notes
This Pommard "Clos des Ursulines" reveals a fruity nose redolent of cherry, blackcurrant and fig. Over the years these aromas will evolve toward notes of coffee and leather. Full and round on the palate with ripe tannins and rich, but not heavy, substance. This wine is powerful and well-structured yet remains subtle, elegant and almost "feminine" due to the vineyard's proximity to Volnay. The finish is silky and velvety.
Serve this wine with exquisitely prepared red meats, feathered game and wine sauces.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Fragrant black cherries and a touch of earth pour from the glass. This manages to combine the firmness for which Pommard is famous with some of the silkiness that neighboring Volnay is known for. Good concentration, but it needs some time for the tannins to resolve.
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Wine Spectator
Round and juicy, this red rides the line between cherry fruit and austerity. As this builds on the palate, the tannins exert influence. All the elements come together on the lingering, spicy aftertaste.
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.