2016 Pommard Les Rugiens
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Pommard Les Rugiens-Bas 1er Cru shows a little reduction on the nose, although it blows away to reveal attractive tobacco and smoke infused red fruit, more earthy in style compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent red berry fruit, and grippy tannins. The creamy texture on the finish just feels a bit otiose. Hopefully it will gain more elegance with continued bottled age. Gutsy. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
(one-third vendange entier ; 40% new oak; just racked following a very late malo): Healthy medium red. Compelling aromas and flavors of redcurrant, iron, rose petal and minerals. At once silky and penetrating, with its sweetness perfectly balanced by harmonious acidity. Shows captivating rose petal perfume throughout. The seriously tannic, floral finish displays real length and grip. This wine should age beautifully but even today there's no hardness. The crop was reduced by about 30% due to the frost, noted winemaker Sieve.
The 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens Cuvée Hubert apparently had a very late malolactic that did not finish until September or October. Similar to the previous two vintages, it comes from the lieu-dit "Les Rugiens-Bas." It has a complex and inviting bouquet with black cherries, crushed rose petals and undergrowth aromas, just a suggestion of dried blood emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied, the 40% new oak is absorbed by the fleshy red fruit, and it is adorned with a lovely, ferrous finish. Drink over the next 15 or 20 years.
About the producer
Volnay’s Domaine de Montille is one of the most historic in the Côte d’Or. Founded in 1730, the property remains family-owned and run, with Etienne de Montille – the ninth generation – at the helm today.