Pommard, Les Rugiens du Bas, 1er Cru, 2024

Compared to the Pezerolles, Rugiens is aromatically darker and more tightly wound, with more of a leaning to dark raspberries than the typical blood orange notes this cuvee sometimes offers up. And yet compared to prior vintages of Rugiens, this has a charming, compelling attack, with a relatively creamy, deep, supple texture, more on flow than growl it would seem. The ironlike strength of Rugiens is somewhat tamed this vintage, though you find a reassuring sense of straining power on the finish. 50% whole bunches. From the iron-rich "Bas" part of the vineyard considered the prime part of Rugiens. The vines are fifty-five years old.