At a glance

Producer

Comte Armand

Region

Pommard, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$350-600 per bottle

Tasting profile

Concentrated dark cherry, blackberry, forest floor, spices, iron and subtle earthiness with firm tannins.

Evolution: Fruit will soften, complexity will increase showing notes of leather, truffle, tobacco and dried herbs.

At peak: Complex layered aromas with silky texture and sustained finish, expressing the distinctive Clos des Épeneaux terroir.

Structure

Acidity

High, balanced, vibrant

Tannins

Firm, well-structured, ripe

Alcohol

Moderate to elevated (~13-14%)

Aging potential

30-40+ years, indicative of Grand Cru-level quality and terroir expression

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2043

Optimal window

2026 to 2046

Current status

Approaching early maturity, with robust structure still developing

Current condition

Youthful tannic intensity with concentrated fruit and notable minerality

Comte Armand's Clos des Épeneaux is a top-tier Pommard monopole vineyard known for producing wines with great structure and depth. 2018, a warm vintage, yields ripe, opulent fruit balanced by the vineyard's characteristic firm tannins and fresh acidity. The wine's structure and balance allow for long aging, where it develops secondary and tertiary complexities enhancing its drinking experience over decades.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with roasted or braised red meats, game dishes, mature cheeses, and earthy mushroom-based cuisine.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow the wine to open up, soften tannins and reveal complex aromatics and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of cover crops, minimal intervention in vineyard, careful water management, limited chemical treatments.

Comte Armand is regarded for diligent vineyard stewardship aimed at maintaining soil health and ecosystem balance without full organic certification. Their practices contribute positively to sustainability though packaging and transport have inherent impact.