2021, Comte Armand, POMMARD, 1er Cru, 'Clos des Epeneaux'

We tasted the younger vines and the older vines separately, then the blend. The younger vines had a fine fresh medium deep raspberry fruit, with quite firm acidity, a limestone feel to the tannins, and a lightly ferrous touch. The old vines offered much more fruit on the nose, strawberry and raspberry, the tannins a little firmer but with much more fruit around them. As ever the blend seemed to give more of everything. A bright purple colour, and a weight of fruit on the nose with a depth of darker berry fruit. The balance between the fruit and the structure is just right, medium plus length. The tannin acid balance works well too. The 2021 Clos des Epeneaux will not be a monster but will have refinement. **** 91-93 Jasper Morris MW.

The 2021 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux 1er Cru, the crown jewel of the Domaine, has an intense nose with black cherries, raspberry coulis, white pepper and bay leaf. Lovely definition with a subtle briny note that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, a firm grip and moderate weight, though it is missing some amplitude towards the finish due to the severely reduced volume. Yet it has plenty of freshness and length, so afford it five to six years in the cellar. 91-93 Neal Martin, Vinous

Comte Armand's Clos des Epeneaux is a blend of Grands Epenots and Petits Epenots; the blend shows deep colour, pleasantly ripe plum aromas with notes of earth, smoke, and pepper. The flavours are supported by supple tannins and fresh acidity. This gives the wine structure enough, but the overall texture is silky, fine, and not as massive as it can be in some years. This wine should open up soon and be drink well for the next ten years. 92 Charles Curtis MW, Decanter.

15 hl/ha, just a single assemblage of the grapes. A big, broad nose, airy and fresh. Open, fluid, mouth-watering. Great shape and complexity - a wine of panache - great finishing. I think a great Clos this year. Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report.