Albert Bichot Pommard ‘Clos des Ursulines’ Monopole 2017

Description Story Since 1831, The Bichot family has been at the forefront of Burgundy wines. Over the course of 6 generations, the house style has become more and more refined and distinct in elegance.With Albéric Bichot at the helm since 1996, the house has focused its future on quality, minimal intervention winemaking and organic farming. The embodiment of this approach resulted in their 6 domaines being fully organically certified since 2018, while receiving praise and awards on the quality of the wines. The “Clos des Ursulines”, a peaceful haven dotted with centuries-old pine trees, is located at the heart of Pommard. It is undoubtedly this tranquillity that once enchanted the nuns from the Ursuline convent who were the first owners of the estate. This almost 4-hectare (9.8 acre) “monopole” is located at the southern end of the Pommard appellation toward Volnay. Thanks to its unique terroir, this wine challenges the widely spread myth that Pommard wines are more “masculine”. Specifications Soil – Calcareous clay with white marls. Parcel size: 3.75 ha (9.2 acres), Situation: Southern limit of Pommard. Exposure: East/South-East. Average age of the vine: 30 to 40 yearsGrape Variety – 100% Pinot NoirVatting – Temperature-controlled conical oak vats. Vatting time: 20 to 28 daysAgeing – In oak barrels 100%. Ageing time: 14 to 16 months. Proportion of new barrels: 20% to 30% Tasting Notes This Pommard “Clos des Ursulines” reveals a fruity nose redolent of cherry, blackcurrant and fig. Over the years these aromas will evolve toward notes of coffee and leather. Full and round on the palate with ripe tannins and rich, but not heavy, substance. This wine is powerful and well-structured yet remains subtle, elegant and almost “feminine” due to the vineyard’s proximity to Volnay. The finish is silky and velvety.Food Pairing – Serve with exquisitely prepared red meats, feathered game and wine sauces.Serve between 16 and 17°C (60°F – 63°F). This wine may be laid down for 5 to 7 years or more. Critic Ratings James Suckling -91 pointsFragrant black cherries and a touch of earth pour from the glass. This manages to combine the firmness for which Pommard is famous with some of the silkiness that neighboring Volnay is known for. Good concentration, but it needs some time for the tannins to resolve.Wine Spectator – 91 pointsRound and juicy, this red rides the line between cherry fruit and austerity. As this builds on the palate, the tannins exert influence. All the elements come together on the lingering, spicy aftertaste. Best from 2021 through 2033 (Issue: Oct 31, 2019)Jancis Robinson – 16.5 pointsClove spice is the first note, then robust cherry and raspberry fruit. Dry, fine tannic weight on the palate gives the requisite Pommard power.Inside Burgundy – 89 pointsVery pretty pure purple. The nose has a certain elegance, very pretty fruit too across the palate, the tannins are nicely tamed and the acidity is just what is needed. Good persistence.