2009 Domaine de Courcel Pommard 1er Cru "Rugiens" (750ml)

This is also notably ripe with an expressive and very fresh nose of black cherry, floral and stone aromas that complement well the intensely mineral-inflected broad-shouldered and precise flavors. The supporting structure possesses excellent phenolic maturity before culminating in a driving, serious, austere and stunningly long finish. This is simply terrific though note that it will not be an early drinker.  (4/2012)

Medium red. Aromas of blackberry syrup and spices. Lush, rich and sweet, with a distinctly chocolatey richness to the black cherry and blackberry flavors. Began a bit warm on the end but seemed to tighten up in the glass. Still, this is more flamboyant and exuberant than the Grand Clos des Epenots, no doubt in part because it finished its malolactic fermentation much earlier. Tannins are ripe and fine.  (13.7% alcohol) (ST) 93+  (3/2012)

This fragrant, sandalwood-, floral- and leather-infused red is both supple and close-grained, its structure keeping it all under wraps for now. So alluring up front, but needs time to integrate. A licorice accent lingers. Best from 2015 through 2025. (BS)  (6/2012)

Some bottle age has led to a lush, opulent bouquet with exuberant ripe fruit. It’s full-bodied, sumptuous but compact, and still tannic on the mid-palate. There’s some tension between the ripeness and the tannins, and the long finish, while mouthfilling, is a bit grippy. Organic. (SB) (11/2018)