Score: 92/100 points
The 2016 vintage of Château de Pommard’s Clos Marey-Monge Monopole Pinot Noir wine is the lastest release of the famous clos. For more perspective on this wine, read our wine reviews of the 2015 vintage as well as the 2014’s.
For the context of production, here is how Château de Pommard describes their newest 2016 baby:
“2016 was a struggle with the elements. First, the Clos was affected by a bitter frost, dividing the harvest in half, followed by rain and damp allowing the return of powdery mildew. Our skilled team of winemakers and vineyard managers saved the day by saving the best grapes. Champion parcel, Simone, didn’t suffer any loss, nor did the old vines within Les Paules. Throughout the summer, the grapes were given the best care to ensure they enjoyed the stunning sunshine. Once mature, the grapes turned out more plump and concentrated than we could have ever hoped. Once harvested, they were vinified, one terroir at a time. When the right moment came to bring together our six finest terroirs, with the proportion of Simone being higher than it had ever been, we introduced a barrel to Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2016 to give it an extra touch of soul.”
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 this Pinot Noir.
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.
Overall Review Notes & Tasting Impressions
A fairly dark red color for this Pommard Pinot Noir, with a dark red tint featuring both slight orange and purple hues which intensifies and deepens its appearance.
The aromatic profile is powerful, warming and hearty.
Cooked apples come with strawberry coulis, cherry liqueur, lifted nutmeg spiciness, and deep dark cocoa, profound vanilla and roasted coffee.
It’s captivating to smell at, from so many layers of deep intensity. Complex!
The palate reveals we are here with Burgundy Pinot than has seen and been filled with plenty of sunshine. The fruity flavors are ripe and powerful, ripe plum, blackberry and cherry liqueur compete for leadership, while layers of sweet spices and minty black pepper (like Sichuan pepper) add an aerial yet serious intensity.
Tannins are present and quite dense for the style, delivered in a world of granulous velvety smoothness. Touches of earthy flavors add to some edgy phenolics and a slight bitter sensation providing complexity, savoriness and depth to the tasting experience. Long and imposing burst of licorice flavors to the finish.
A rare Pinot Noir sensation of a tasting Château de Pommard’s 2016 Clos Marey-Monge delivers.
The complexity, the dryness, and the mineral acidity are combined with slightly earthy and rustic tannins that we love from a Pommard style of Pinot Noir expression.
In an intricate and captivating combination of flavors, these with a super ripe, comforting and charming fruity personality. Raisin and zesty citrus, jammy red berries and a myriad of spices.
Every sip comes with a surprise and a new discovery, for a long and enjoyable tasting sensation…
A wine to experience.
Enjoy 🙂
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