Wine Review of 2014 Château de Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Monopole, Burgundy Pinot Noir, France
Score : 94/100
About the Clos Marey-Monge
Clos Marey-Monge acquired its name back in 1795 when Nicolas-Joseph Marey and Émilie Monge, the son and daughter of eminent French nobility, fell madly in love.
Located over the heights of the Pommard village, the Clos Marey-Monge, a walled vineyard which is the exclusive property of Château de Pommard (a Monopole) is made of 7 distinct terroirs used to assemble the wine.
The 7 sub-section of the vineyard, called Simone, Chantrerie, Les Paules, Grand Champs, 75 Rangs, Micault, and Émilie, feature distinct soils and microclimates.
Grapes from each terroir are hand-picked, fermented and barrel-aged separately, kept apart for 18 months. In the summer, nearly two years after harvest, the final blend is made, assembling each of the 7 elements in precise proportions.
About 2014 Vintage in Burgundy
Here is how the producing winery, Château de Pommard, describes 2014 vintage: “Our 2014 vintage was a gift sent from heaven. Or, as we like to call it, Clos Marey-Monge. With its deep luminous ruby complexion and shining purple tints, it’s a treat for the eyes as much for the tastebuds. An authoritative aroma blooms with fresh black and red fruits, sweet spices, dark grapes and a lick of licorice. Characteristic flavor notes of chocolate, hazelnut and berries are present on the palate. A firm but ribbon-smooth elixir, with silky and finessed tannins that flows superbly into a long and intense finish, Clos Marey-Monge 2014 leaves lips feeling satisfied. For the most authentic taste of the four terroirs blended within, leave the bottle to age for 2–3 years.”
So, How Good is Château de Pommard Clos Marey-Monge?
The Answer is in the Tasting Notes
This Pinot Noir comes in a pretty dark garnet red color, rather intense for a Pinot, with a ruby red hue tainted with hints of orange.
The nose is pungent and aromatic, orange peel and fresh strawberry, plenty of red berry aromas are deepened by a wealth of sweet spices, vanilla and caramel, and pungent floral notes of violet and lily.
Smooth a texture the palate delivers, with concentrated and crisp acidity, underlining the powerful and bursting peach, apricot, sour cherry, and gamy flavors.
That’s right! The wine delivers an unusual and delightful combination of sweet-tasting fruity flavors—although without any apparent residual sugars—, like ripe, almost jammy red berry tones, together with very meaty, umami-filled notes of forest-floor, mushroom, and dried game meat.
A long an utterly complex finish, delivering layers of flavors in all spectrums as described above, from citrus peel to dried red berries, forest-floor to grilled meats of floral vanilla bean.
Overall
An outstanding Pinot Noir, and a baby of a Burgundy wine at that.
Difficult to fully appreciate its full potential, one can sense all the elements of a truly outstanding wine are built-in this Pommard. Smoothness and quality of tannins. Stunning acidity given the sheer concentration and level of ripeness. Plenty of spices. Everything seems to be packed into Clos de Marey-Monge, not yet ready to be enjoyed, but certainly packed into the wine, ready to be revealed and enjoyed over the next decade or two.
Drink between 2022 and… 2032+?
Enjoy 🙂
Please let me know your thoughts