2010 Louis Jadot - Pommard Les Rugiens 1er Cru
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens offers hints of oyster shell on the well-defined nose that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins, a citrus backbone and an almost brutish finish that will soften with age. Sure, this Pommard is a little rough around the edges, but aren’t they all? Drink 2014-2025. This was the first time I had been back to Louis Jadot’s expansive winery on the northern outskirts of Beaune since their memorable 150th anniversary tasting back in 2008. As I quipped in the previous issue, Jacques Lardiere was then talking about his imminent retirement that seemed to never come. But on this occasion, there was new winemaker Frederic Barnier there to greet me. He has large shoes to fill but he seems up to the task of steering this important Burgundy name to a new chapter, having worked alongside Jacques for a couple of years. “At the beginning, we were not so confident about the whites,” he explained in reference to his 2011s, “but it has been a nice surprise. The dry spring of 2011 affected the level of ripeness but it has lent freshness, but with low acidity.” We did not have time to taste the entire portfolio of over 80 crus, but instead took a sample of 20 white and reds from both the 2010 and 2011 vintages. Importer: Kobrand, Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7700
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright medium red. Intensely spicy, perfumed aromas of red berries, iron, minerals, cardamom and flowers. Then almost shockingly supple on entry, offering a restrained sweetness to the flavors of raspberry, licorice and flowers. For all its pliancy, it's also high-pitched, minerally and taut, and wonderfully light on its feet. Finishes with superb fine-grained tannins and lingering notes of raspberry, flowers, licorice and menthol. All in finesse today, and very young.
The 2010 Pommard Rugiens is all silkiness and finesse, especially in the tannins. Juicy red berries, flowers and mint are some of the many nuances that are woven together in this classy, totally refined wine. Sweet floral notes are layered into the finish.
Good deep, bright red. Complex aromas of redcurrant, earth, brown spices and menthol. Supple, saline and soil-driven, with excellent inner-mouth energy. Primary fruits are in the background today but this has solidity and strength. This serious, very long wine finishes with noble tannins.
About the producer
Louis Jadot is arguably the most consistent négociant house in Burgundy. It has managed to straddle both the entry-level and fine wine market, while retaining respect in both.