1999 Comte Armand Pommard Clos Des Epeneaux

(89-91 points) The famed Pommard Clos Des Epeneaux averaged 48 hectoliters per hectare in 1999. Benjamin Leroux harvested the Clos in successive waves, vinifying and raising the vines in different lots by age group, one composed of 13 to 16-year-old vines, which will ultimately end up in Pommard Villages, another in the 17 to 25-year-old age group, another at 35 to 45, yet another where the vines range from 50 to 60 years old, and lastly, a lot of wine produced from 60 to 70-year-old vines. (This last lot composes 30% of the total blend).

The assemblage is a medium to dark ruby-colored wine with blackberry, earth, and fresh herb notes. Some new oak shows through in its aromatics. This is a big, bold, foursquare, masculine wine with a chewy, rugged, powerful personality. It is loaded with gorgeously ripened tannin and has immense concentration as well as a long, focused finish. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2012.
Wine Advocate #135 Jun 2001