Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Coming from a parcel at the bottom of the vineyard alongside the road, the fruit is destemmed and fermented, without a cold maceration, prior to being run into casks produced at the Jadot joint venture, Cadus, for 18 months. The result is classic Pommard, with a slightly earthy, brambly character to the fruit, a touch of smoke and firm, grippy tannin.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made from purchased grapes, the 2019 Pommard 1er Cru Grands Epenots (Maison Louis Jadot) wafts from the glass with aromas of sweet berries, warm spices, rich soil tones and toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with a charming core of fruit, lively acids and refined tannins, this is very promising. Range: 92-94
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.