Domaine Parent Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots 2019

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Les Epenots story is that in 1935 when the INAO where classifying the vineyards of the Cote d’Or this vineyard, along with Rugien in the south of the Pommard appellation were nominated to be Grand Cru vineyards. At the time the various owners of these two sites were concerned on higher taxes being applied due to the new potential GC status along with in-village differing opinions of the usual “why should x vineyard be Grand Cru and not mine etc”. The decision was taken to refuse the Grand Cru status and nominate both as a 1er Cru. Of course fast forward to more recent times and it’s commonly accepted that these two sites are of Grand Cru quality. However time moves slowly in such historic regions and it wasn’t until 2015 that an official application was begun to request the upgrade of these two sites to Grand Cru. I mention this as Ann Parent was a key contributor to this application. She told me recently that “she felt a duty to be a part of this application, even if it will probably only be granted years after my retirement”, with a wry smile appearing after this comment.

Produced from 2 parcels representing 1.70 ha of Pinot Noir each located in the Les Grands Epenots and Les Petits Epenots. The vines of the “Grands Epenots” are 28 years old and 55 years old for the “Petits Epenots” they produce an average yield of 45 hl/ha. 40% whole bunch, pressed off to barrel. 50% new. 16 months in oak. Bottled May 2021.

– Importer’s Notes