2017 Comte Armand, Pommard Premier Cru, Clos des Epeneaux 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 2017 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux 1er Cru was tasted from different sectors of the vineyard. The first sample, tasted directly from tank, comes from two parcels, one at the bottom part of the clos populated by 45- to 65-year-old vines on clay-rich soils, and another located in a plot of 35- to 38-year-old vines. This has a precise, focused bouquet of black cherries, bilberry, a touch of oyster shell and just a hint of blue fruit. The 30% new oak is neatly integrated. The medium-bodied palate shows supple tannins laced with a fine bead of acidity. It exerts a gentle grip and feels quite saline toward the finish. A second sample from limestone soils demonstrates a little more amplitude and a higher percentage of red fruit, not to mention a silkier finish, while a third sample from 86- to 98-year-old vines provides the floral scents and the persistency, perhaps the intellect, of what will be the final blend. This does not possess quite the persistency of the greatest Clos des Epeneaux that I have encountered, yet it is undoubtedly a beautifully made wine. [Neal Martin, 01/10/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2045

Robert Parker 93

The 2017 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux wafts from the glass with aromas of plums, wild berries, warm spices, orange rind and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, ample and nicely integrated, with good depth and concentration, succulent acids and an elegant sense of completeness. I tasted both an old-vine component, a younger-vine component and a representative blend of the two, the latter being finer than merely the sum of the parts. It’s a classy Clos des Epeneaux in the making and one that will attain its plenitude before the 2016 and 2015 renditions. [William Kelley, 01/01/2019]