Winemaker Notes
Given the natural power of this terroir, Domaine de Montille's aim with 1/3 whole cluster fermentation is to arrive at a wine with restraint and elegance.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
The flavours of de Montille's Pommard Les Cras begin to develop with bright, high-toned pomegranate and cranberry fruit; there is a bit of reduction initially that will pass. The texture is firmly tannic and fresh, reflecting a classic Pommard style, although the wine lacks a bit of generosity in this vintage. The grapes come from the base of the slope between Combe Dessus and Clos Micot in fairly heavy clay soils with moderate iron content. Fermentation was done with one-third whole clusters before ageing in cask.
Barrel Sample: 92 -
Jasper Morris
28 hl/ha and healthy fruit, Les Cras never noticed the 2021 vintage all around! One third whole bunch vinification. A full crimson purple colour with a fine classic fruit on the nose. Another example of the success of the untouched plots. Pure dark raspberries and then a touch of whole bunch pepperiness to finish.
Barrel Sample: 89-91
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.