Pommard Premier Cru Clos des Épeneaux

About this wine

Clos des Épeneaux is the legendary monopole of Domaine Comte Armand, located in the heart of Pommard. This 5.27-hectare vineyard is widely considered the finest Premier Cru in the appellation, often rivaling Grand Crus in quality and longevity. The wine is renowned for its remarkable structure, deep concentration, and elegant complexity. It displays intense aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and earthy undertones, evolving into sophisticated notes of spice, leather, and truffle with age. The firm tannins and vibrant acidity ensure exceptional aging potential of 20–30 years or more, making it the undisputed benchmark for Pommard.

Sommelier's Note

"The undisputed soul of Pommard — Clos des Épeneaux is not just a wine but a statement of what Burgundy can be at its most profound."

Food Pairings

Pairs brilliantly with roasted game birds, beef bourguignon, aged hard cheeses, duck confit, grilled wagyu beef, and truffle-infused cuisine. The wine's structure and depth call for rich, earthy flavors that can match its intensity.

When to drink it

Ideal for milestone celebrations, milestone anniversaries, formal dinners with discerning guests, or as the centerpiece of a serious collector's vertical tasting.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir

Style

Red

Price Range

¥25,000–45,000 per bottle (varies by vintage and retailer)

Terroir & Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested from old vines and meticulously sorted twice. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled wooden vats using indigenous yeasts, with extended maceration to extract maximum color, tannin, and complexity. The wine is aged in French oak barrels (20–30% new oak) for 18 to 24 months under biodynamic winemaking principles introduced by Pascal Marchand and continued today by Paul Zinetti.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Clos des Épeneaux so special?

It is a monopole — Domaine Comte Armand is the sole owner of the entire 5.27-hectare vineyard. This exclusivity, combined with old vines, biodynamic viticulture, and a unique terroir in the heart of Pommard, produces a wine of unparalleled concentration and complexity.

How does it taste?

Expect concentrated dark cherries, blackberries, and forest floor on the nose, with a structured, layered palate of spice, leather, and truffle. The finish is long, firm, and deeply satisfying.

When is the best time to drink it?

Patience is essential. The wine requires at least 10–15 years of cellaring from the vintage to begin showing its best. The finest vintages can evolve beautifully for 30 years or more.

How should I serve it?

Serve at 16–18°C in a large Burgundy glass. Decanting for 2–3 hours is strongly recommended to allow the tannins to soften and the full aromatic complexity to unfold.

Is it worth the price?

For serious Burgundy collectors and enthusiasts, absolutely. It consistently rivals Grand Cru quality and represents one of the most terroir-expressive Premier Crus in the entire Côte d'Or.