Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
The intrigue of Pommard, a relatively low-lying village along the Cote d'Or, is based on its combination of fruit style and amplitude given gravitas by its distinctively different soils, with their iron content and wealth of clays. This is often said to result in more tannic wines than would be usual at these altitudes on the hillside. This expansive red Premier Cru burgundy fits the bill, with its dark colours and the rich, spicy notes in its generous plum-fruit aromas and flavours. It's generous and forthright in the mouth, its taut construction here based as much on vivid raspberry acidity as tannin - though those tannins, finely milled in this instance, provide ample support. Gourmet red burgundy. Drink 2019-2027
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.