Courcel Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens 2002 (12x75cl)
(this wine finished its malo early) Medium red. Pure, vibrant aromas of raspberry, flowers, minerals and smoke; shows much less surmaturite than the Clos des Epenots. Juicier and less obviously thick in the mouth; very ripe but quite refined, with spice and mineral notes lifting the fruit and contributing to the impression of thrust. Really spreads out to coat the palate, but here the tannins are thoroughly buffered by fruit. Much closer to being a finished wine, owing to the early malo. A potentially superb Pommard.
Reviewer Name: Stephen Tanzer
Review Date: 4th December 2014
Expressive aromas of black plum, violet, coffee and minerals; shows a distinct purple fruit quality. Then penetrating and vibrant, if a bit closed in the middle palate, with brisk acidity framing the wine's flavors. Intriguing smoky and saline notes add nuance. Doesn't offer the sheer fat of the Clos des Epenots and finishes with building, tougher tannins. This really calls for a good eight to ten years of patience.
Reviewer Name: Stephen Tanzer
Review Date: 1st March 2005