Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
De Courcel
Label Name:
 
Pommard 1er Cru Epenots
Vintage:
 
2011
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Pommard, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Pinot Noir
Method:
 
Hand-harvested Pinot Noir; cold maceration and partial whole-cluster fermentation, aged 18–24 months in French oak (small % new). Traditional low-yield Burgundian vinification; soils ploughed to encourage biological activity.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
15-17
Tasting Note:
 
Concentrated black cherry, cassis and plum with dark chocolate, lavender, spice and earthy minerality. Firm, fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and a long, savory, mineral finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: roast duck, braised short ribs, grilled lamb, mushroom risotto, aged Comté, roast pork. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean bulgogi, miso-glazed dishes, rich pork ramen (tonkotsu).
Vineyard Info:
 
Domaine de Courcel is a historic, family-owned estate (centuries-old) holding the monopole Grand Clos des Épenots; vines average ~60 years on clay-limestone soils. Estate focuses on low yields and terroir-driven, organic practices.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Major reviews: Wine Spectator 92 (2014). Burghound 90–93. Robert Parker (WA) ~88–90 for this bottling. See reviews and scores for 2011 vintage