Village Stars of Burgundy

2017 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux, Comte Armand Dry | Red | Still | 13.5%

The Clos des Epeneaux is an impressive vineyard in both size and history, with vines dating back to 1919. It is one of the largest monopole vineyards in Burgundy at 5.23ha, and certainly one of the most celebrated in the region. 2017 has produced a remarkable Epeneaux. The constraints of the small cellar in the centre of the village meant that a large crop had to be carefully juggled between tanks. Some racking off of the juice during the height of fermentation meant winemaker, Paul Zinetti, managed to draw out a delicious core to this 2017, while preserving the aromatic freshness of the vintage. With a few years in bottle, it’s clear something special happened here. You can dispel the old trope that Pommard is muscular and rustic only: this is svelte, fragrant, profound, and intense. It marries density with silky freshness.

Ready: 2022 - 2039

2017 Auxey-Duresses, Comte Armand Dry | Red | Still | 13.5%

This historic domaine in Pommard, whose Clos des Epeneaux is one of the finest reds in the Côte de Beaune, bought vineyards in the quiet, beautiful village of Auxey Duresses in the mid-1990s. Organic farming and gentle winemaking by talented régisseur Paul Zinetti make for one of the best value, most characterful reds on our Burgundy list. Bursting with berry fruit, and juicy tannins. 2017 is a stand-out vintage at the domaine. A bargain.

Ready: 2020 - 2025