Domaine de Courcel, Pommard ‘Le Grand Clos des Epenots’ Premier Cru, 2019, Pommard Premier Cru (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A formidable yet finely judged Pommard, combining concentrated dark fruit with fragrant spice, earthy depth and a firm structure built for graceful ageing.

Tasting Note
Ripe mulberry, plum and black cherry are joined by raspberry, rose petals and a darker thread of earth, smoke and star anise. The palate is concentrated and powerful, with generous fruit wrapped around dense but finely textured tannins, while a bright seam of freshness keeps the wine poised. Notes of mocha, savoury spice and stony minerality emerge with air, leading into a long, structured finish that remains youthful and tightly coiled.

Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Sub-Region: Pommard Premier Cru AOC
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
97 Points – Charles Curtis MW, Decanter
91–94 Points – Allen Meadows, Burghound
16 out of 20 – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com

The Story
Domaine de Courcel has remained in the same family for around four centuries and is closely associated with some of Pommard’s most distinguished Premier Cru vineyards. Le Grand Clos des Epenots is a 4.89-hectare monopole, meaning the domaine owns the entire enclosed vineyard, set on an east-facing slope north of the village. Its mature Pinot Noir vines grow in shallow, well-drained clay and limestone soils, producing a wine of remarkable depth, firmness and longevity. The 2019 was given an extended period in vat before maturing for almost two years in barrel and being bottled without fining or filtration, preserving both its formidable structure and its striking purity of fruit.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Beef bourguignon with bacon, mushrooms and pearl onions
- Vegetarian: Chestnut mushroom pithivier with a dressed green salad
- Vegan: Lentil and mushroom bourguignon with thyme and pearl onions