Domaine Michel Gaunoux, Pommard Premier Cru, Les Rugiens Bas, Burgundy

An introduction to Domaine Michel Gaunoux, Pommard Premier Cru, Les Rugiens Bas, Burgundy

The Premier Cru Pommard Les Rugiens Bas by Domaine Michel Gaunoux is sourced from a 0.6-hectare plot of Pinot Noir vines located in the Premier Cru designated Les Rugiens Bas vineyard, just to the south of the village of Pommard. The rich iron content and free-draining, pebbly composition of the soil produces wines of great acclaim displaying a characteristic smokiness, and the appellation is widely considered to be the most likely contender for Grand Cru promotion in the entire Pommard commune. This cuvée by Domaine Michel Gaunoux is exemplar of this terroir-driven quality, showing a nose of dark spices, sandalwood and black cherry and great freshness and length on the palate.

Performance

Understanding Domaine Michel Gaunoux, Pommard Premier Cru, Les Rugiens Bas, Burgundy

The old vines that comprise the Premier Cru Les Rugiens Bas cuvée by Domaine Michel Gaunoux are sustainably farmed with an emphasis on organic viticulture. The grapes are hand-picked and 100% destemmed into wooden fermentation vats, where alcoholic fermentation typically occurs for three weeks. After gentle pressing, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, of which 20% are typically new, and matured for up to 14 months prior to bottling. This bottling by Domaine Michel Gaunoux is evidence of the profundity of the Les Rugiens Bas terroir, showcasing a mineral-driven freshness so typical of the vineyard that leads to an enduring and deeply satisfying finish. This is a standout offering by the domaine, likely to cellar well under careful conditions for over 20 years.

Price Index