2022 Chateau de Meursault Pommard Clos de Epenots 1er Cru, Burgundy

A fine glowing purple. The bouquet delivers a little bit of vanilla from the oak, married to an exquisite class of fine red fruit, even a floral note. This is complete in all departments, just a little darker fruit at the back alongside the fresher red berries, both working well together and in harmony with the acidity and refined tannins. Drink from 2029-2037. Tasted Oct 2023.

92-94 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

The Domaine farms 3.6 hectares in this famous 1er Cru (within the Petit Epenots ) soils of red ferruginous & gravel on ancient alluvial deposits. 15% whole bunches & cold soak pre fermentation. 18 months elevage in 30% new barriques, aromas of black berries & spicy notes while the palate is dark & complex with structure and silky tannins

Château de Meursault Pommard Clos des Epenots 1er Cru is an exceptional Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy’s most celebrated Premier Cru vineyards in the Pommard appellation. Château de Meursault, a historic estate dating back to the 11th century, has become synonymous with crafting wines that embody the richness and complexity of Burgundy's terroirs. Located in the heart of Côte de Beaune, the château's cellars house centuries of winemaking tradition, while its team embraces a modern approach to precision and sustainability in viticulture and vinification.

The Clos des Epenots vineyard, classified as a Premier Cru, spans 4 hectares within the walled “clos” on the eastern slopes of Pommard. The vineyard benefits from deep clay-limestone soils that impart power and depth to the wine, along with a south-eastern exposure that ensures optimal ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes. The vineyard’s name, “Epenots,” is believed to derive from the old French word for thorn bushes, hinting at its wild past before becoming prime vine territory.

The winemaking team, led by estate manager Stéphane Follin-Arbelet, is dedicated to producing wines that honor both tradition and innovation. Each vintage is vinified with great care, using natural fermentation and minimal intervention to highlight the unique qualities of the vineyard. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, 30-40% new, for 18-20 months, allowing for a perfect integration of structure and complexity.

In the glass, Château de Meursault Pommard Clos des Epenots 1er Cru displays a deep ruby hue. The nose is a symphony of dark cherries, blackberries, and plums, layered with notes of violets, forest floor, and subtle spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and powerful, with velvety tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish that speaks to the vineyard’s limestone-rich soils. This wine is an excellent candidate for aging, with the potential to evolve gracefully over 10 to 20 years.

Fun fact about the winemaker: Stéphane Follin-Arbelet is a Burgundy native with a deep love for the region’s terroir, but he’s also known for his sense of humor. He’s been overheard joking that Burgundy’s secret ingredient is “terroir, sweat, and a little magic dust,” though he assures everyone it’s all in the limestone. Stéphane is also a passionate foodie and often experiments with pairing Pommard wines with unexpected dishes, such as spiced duck or even rich, dark chocolate.