2016 Chateau de Pommard Pommard Clos Marey-Monge

Château de Pommard has a prestigious pedigree. Built in the early 18th century by a French aristocrat who was part of the king’s inner circle, the estate changed hands several times in subsequent centuries. It’s imposing, neo-classical château dates from the early 19th century. Silicon Valley entrepreneur Michael Baum bought the estate in 2014 and continued his predecessor’s renovations. Today the winemaker is Emmanuel Sala and the estate has 50 acres of vineyards, producing both red and white wines.

Pommard is a relatively large appellation of 1,655 vineyard acres just a few miles south of Beaune. Though it has no Grands Crus, Pommard’s 28 Premiers Crus are generally well regarded. The appellation produces only red wine, and wine writers often note that despite Pommard’s proximity to both Beaune and Volnay, its wines are very different from the Pinot Noirs produced in neighboring appellations. Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote that “The top Pommards are full-bodied, chunky, muscular, fleshy wines that impress one more for their power and expansive, mouth filling texture than for pure finesse.” The most famous Premiers Crus are Les Epenots and Les Rugiens.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.