Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 88-90
The 2014 Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens has a crisp redcurrant and strawberry pastille-scented bouquet that perhaps does not quite have the complexity of the Grands Epenots. The palate is supple on the entry with a gentle grip. There is good density to this Rugiens, a little sinew towards the finish and perhaps more oak to be subsumed, so afford this 2-3 years in bottle. As is becoming tradition these days, I spent two mornings at Louis Jadot on the outskirts of Beaune, one dedicated to their whites and the other their reds. Apart from enjoying the wines that I think are doing very nicely under head winemaker Frédéric Barnier, the marathon offers an overview of the Burgundy region across geography and across hierarchy. I began our conversation asking about the factors that influenced the quality of the 2014 vintage… “I would say that the important factors, not only for white, was the early and intense season with a very good spring that was warm and dry, so it was favorable for the growing and development of the vine. Maybe it was too hot during the flowering, which impacts the whites more than the reds in terms of vine stress reducing the yield. So we lost part of the crop through coulure. For Aligoté it was a disaster even though the budburst was very good.”
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027
Vinous 91+
Bright medium red Floral and peppery high notes to the aromas of red berries, medicinal red cherry, iron and herbs Offers very good density and a fine-grained texture, showing a subtle sweetness to its red berry, spice and menthol flavors Lovely inner-mouth definition and lift here: this wine really showcases the raciness of the vintage This juicy, fruity but also minerally Rugiens finishes with a very fine dusting of tannins that reach the front teeth and attractive floral lift Still a baby
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2032