Comte Armand Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux 2016

One of the most iconic producers in the Côte de Beaune, Comte Armand's holdings include some of the greatest vineyards of Pommard and Volnay, as well as a wealth of enviable plots across the region. They have become well-reputed as a source of long-lived wines of the highest pedigree as well as a producer of excellent value wines from Auxey-Duresses and entry-level offerings from Bourgogne. The domaine's history dates back to 1826, making it a stalwart of the region and one of Burgundy's essential producers for almost 200 years.

"The 2016 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux 1er Cru has a classic, undergrowth infused bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, hints of stewed black tea emerging with time, tobacco and rose petal. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, succulent and juicy with a fleshy, almost Volnay-like finish that is very appealing. This is a well crafted and comparatively approachable Pommard. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting." - Vinous, 94 points

"The 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux contains 10% whole-bunch fruit. I tasted from two cuvees, one from the young vines and one from the old. The young vines has clean and pure black cherry, red plum and lightly blueberry fruit that conveys a sense of energy. The palate is well balanced with succulent ripe black fruit, very fine tannin, a taut line of acidity but real complexity and tension from start to finish. I love the harmony and effortlessness of these younger vines. The cuv\u00e9e from older vines demonstrated more black fruit with traces of undergrowth, a little more rondeur with impressive depth and structure on the persistent, marine/oyster shell-tinged finish. This has enormous potential and may challenge the supremacy of the 2015." - RP, 95 points