Pommard Clos des Epeneaux, Domaine Comte Armand 2019

The 2019 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux 1er Cru was bottled in June and July ‘21. Very perfumed and floral scents on the nose, dark cherries, bergamot, damp earth and touches of clove, later hints of violet and blood orange (traits that I observed out of barrel). This is nicely detailed. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins, fine acidity, lightly spiced with a classy espresso-tinged finish that lingers in the mouth. Excellent. Drink between 2025-2050

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.