Comte Armand Pommard Clos des Epeneaux Premier Cru Monopole 2019
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Morris
Jasper - Decanter
Product Details
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Jasper Morris
As ever we tried the individual cuvées first before a trial blend – the actual assemblage will only happen a few weeks before bottling. The grapes were picked from 16th September at a yield of 24 hl/ha. Paul Zinetti has used 35% new oak, with less than 10% whole bunches included. The 2019 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux displays a rich deep purple colour. The bouquet is deeply expressive, suggesting an intensity of fruit more than super-ripeness. There is more red fruit than black though the two are present, correct acidity, tannins present, but waiting in the background, the alcohol is controlled, likely to finish around 14.3%. The whole stands up well in its firm, structured fashion. Early days yet, very promising.
Barrel Sample: 93-95 -
Decanter
Zanetti divides the Clos des Epéneaux in four sections, which are all fermented and matured separately and then assembled. The assemblage of the three is the most compelling, with a mix of violet notes and expressive cherry fruit aromas on the attack, plus mineral, spice and saline notes that develop with time. There is plenty of body, but little of the tannic, slightly rustic character for which Pommard can be known.
Other Vintages
2021-
Morris
Jasper
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Parker
Robert
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Parker
Robert
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.