Winemaker Notes
Wines produced in Pommard present both power and finesse, the quintessence of what Pinot Noir can reveal. This wine also has spicy notes characteristic of Clos des Epeneaux.
Professional Ratings
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Jasper Morris
The younger vines had a fine fresh medium deep raspberry fruit, with quite firm acidity, a limestone feel to the tannins, and a lightly ferrous touch. The old vines offered much more fruit on the nose, strawberry and raspberry, the tannins a little firmer but with much more fruit around them. As ever the blend seemed to give more of everything. A bright purple colour, and a weight of fruit on the nose with a depth of darker berry fruit. The balance between the fruit and the structure is just right, medium plus length. The tannin acid balance works well too. The 2021 Clos des Epeneaux will not be a monster but will have refinement.
Barrel Sample: 91-93
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.