Winemaker Notes
"A riper and more deeply pitched nose reflects notes of dark cherry coulis, spice and plenty of warm earth character. The rich and attractively vibrant middle weight flavors possess better mid-palate density as well as a bit better depth and persistence. While this has the stuffing to reward a few years of cellaring, it could be enjoyed young too." - Burghound
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Aromas of ripe berries, spices, sweet soil tones, smoke and incense preface the 2020 Beaune 1er Cru Epenottes, a medium to full-bodied, supple and layered wine that's sensual and enveloping, with terrific concentration, lively acids and a saline finish.
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Jasper Morris
Massive concentrated purple and there is lots of flavour on the nose too. Stylistically very different to Montrevenots. First picked because an early ripening spot. Dark cherries, firmer tannins, some acidity...
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.