Pommard, Clos de la Commaraine, Monopole, 1er Cru, 2020
Another level up again on the two previous vintages. The Clos de la Commaraine is a fascinating Monopole with three distinct terroirs – iron-rich soils, deposits from an old river bed and limestone towards the top of the vineyard – and the wine very articulately transmits this complexity. A very fine, silky Pommard with considerable underlying sophistication that offers a panoply of flavours – fresh bramble and loganberry notes, sweeter damson touches; a blood orange character adds a juiciness whilst limestone characteristics offer a refreshing savoury complexity. There are multiple components here, harmoniously sewn together. Impeccable. Two thirds of the vineyard is planted with an historic massale selection. The oldest vines date back to 1952. Aged in 50% new oak.
critic reviews
The 2020 Pommard Clos de la Commaraine 1er Cru was tasted from several subplots as the final blend will not be made until later. Certainly, there are inter-subplot differences so I could only get a gist of the wine, though judging by the main parcels, I found floral aromatics, violet and iris flower, with fine acidity and purity, also judicious use of oak. I will taste the final blend next spring, but certainly these components are promising.