Among Burgundy’s historic clos, the Pommard Clos de la Commaraine 2017 Premier Cru - Louis Jadot stands out as a characterful signature at the crossroads of power and elegance. A monopole of 4 hectares tucked to the east of the village of Pommard, this walled site rests on deep, well-drained, stony soils. Hidden springs within the rock bring a salutary freshness, that invisible breath that lengthens finishes and enhances fruit purity. Intended for gourmets seeking a precise, expressive gastronomic red, this Premier Cru answers the twin demands of immediate pleasure and aging potential. Its bouquet of blackcurrant and blueberry, uplifted by strawberry and cherry, reveals a savory mouthfeel with gentle tannins, equally at home at a grand autumn table or in contemplative cellaring. Inheriting the Louis Jadot style, it shows classic bearing, an aristocratic poise, and a clearly defined aromatic framework that delivers refined emotion.

Blend and winemaking

This wine is made exclusively from Pinot Noir from the Clos de la Commaraine, a monopole of 4 hectares in the Côte de Beaune. Vinification follows a respectful approach to the fruit, with time in tanks of about 3 to 4 weeks after settling, allowing a measured extraction of tannins and aromatic compounds. This patient maceration reveals the Pinot Noir’s flesh smoothly while preserving the mineral backbone that defines the site. It is followed by an ageing of 15 to 18 months in oak barrels, designed to refine structure and add complexity to the bouquet. The wood supports rather than dominates, melding over months into a fabric of black and red fruit, lifted by gentle spice notes. At the end of ageing, the 2017 Clos de la Commaraine displays harmonious architecture, measured depth and a sleek energy, qualities essential in a gastronomic Premier Cru built for cellaring.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Deep ruby with garnet highlights, clear and bright, showing fine legs that anticipate a caressing texture. The gloss of the disc underlines the vintage’s vitality and the precision of the élevage.
• Nose : Ripe, nuanced expression of blackcurrant and blueberry, followed by a basket of strawberry and black cherry. Floral and undergrowth echoes arise, with a touch of gentle spice and a subtle mineral thread, like a fresh breath brought by the site’s springs.
• Palate : Broad, precise attack; tender, silky tannins that coat the palate without overwhelming it. The mid-palate is juicy, recalling crisp dark fruit, while measured freshness stretches the finish, long, mouthwatering and very aromatic, marked by elegant depth.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this Pommard Premier Cru at cellar temperature in large glasses to reveal its texture and aromatic complexity. Prior decanting will bring more harmony, especially in its early years. Store bottles horizontally, away from temperature fluctuations and light, to preserve the wine’s integrity. The 2017 vintage shows a notable aging potential of 10 to 15 years, with a peak that will unveil more tertiary notes, delicately mixing truffle, noble humus and candied dark fruit, while retaining the underlying liveliness typical of the clos.

Food pairings

• Red meats : dry-aged côte de boeuf, seared sirloin, herb-marinated bavette. Dense, roasted cuts respond to the wine’s depth and highlight its polished tannins.
• Game : lightly peppered venison, hare à la royale, roast pigeon. The sap of Pinot Noir supports gamey flavours without overpowering them.
• Slow-cooked dishes : boeuf bourguignon, melt-in-the-mouth beef cheek, confit lamb shoulder. The wine’s generous thread embraces reduced juices and sauces.
• Cheeses : Epoisses, Livarot, Langres. The assertive character of these cheeses echoes the Clos de la Commaraine’s aromatic persistence.
• Earthy & woodland dishes : porcini risotto, sautéed chanterelles, roasted vegetables with thyme. The wine’s earthy dimension reveals itself with delicacy.

Tasting occasions

The Pommard Clos de la Commaraine 2017 is the ideal companion for:

• Seasonal dinners where rustic cuisine takes on a couture air.
• Cellar tastings to follow the patient evolution of a Premier Cru built for ageing.
• As an insider’s gift for a Burgundy enthusiast seeking a distinctive monopole.

Details

• Nom : Pommard Clos de la Commaraine 2017 Premier Cru - Louis Jadot
• Appellation : Pommard 1er Cru AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Millésime : 2017
• Cépage : Pinot Noir (100%)
• Terroir : Clos monopole de 4 hectares, to the east of the village of Pommard, Côte de Beaune, Bourgogne
• Sol : deep, well drained and stony, with underground springs providing a natural freshness
• Vinification : tanks after settling, about 3 to 4 weeks for controlled extraction
• Élevage : 15 to 18 months in oak barrels
• Garde : minimum 5 years, ideally 10 to 15 years depending on storage
• Accords conseillés : marinated meats, game, strong cheeses such as Epoisses and Livarot
• Notes critiques : 90-92/100 Robert Parker, 90-92/100 Burghound, 85-90 Wine-Searcher