Domaine Lejeune : Pommard 1er cru "Les Rugiens Bas" 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for Domaine Lejeune's Pommard 1er Cru "Les Rugiens Bas" 2023

Tasting notes

Colour
Deep and opaque, the colour of this red wine reveals beautiful ruby highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with notes of red cherry and raspberry, underscored by mineral tension and subtle herbaceous nuances. With aeration, tertiary aromas of tobacco leaf, fine herbs and earth delicately emerge.

Palate
The attack reveals a silky texture and refined tannins. The mid-palate offers beautiful fruit concentration, carried by distinct minerality and vibrant acidity. The finish stands out for its excellent length.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled meats, such as braised beef in sauce, herb-roasted pork, or game like duck and venison. It also goes wonderfully with mushroom or truffle dishes, as well as characterful cheeses like Époisses.

Service and storage

The Pommard 1er Cru "Les Rugiens Bas" 2023 has a fine structure that allows it to age in the cellar for a decade. It can be expected to evolve favourably and be enjoyed through at least 2033, with a peak anticipated around 2027 or 2028.

The minerality and complexity of a Pommard Premier Cru

The estate

The estate's origins date back to 1783 with the Jullien de Pommerol family, before Maxime Lejeune acquired the buildings facing the village church after the French Revolution. Located in Burgundy, Domaine Lejeune now spans 8.7 hectares. Certified organic since 2021, it stands out for its environmentally friendly practices. Since 2023, Louis de Belleroche has been the current owner and director of the estate, supported by Nicolas Rerolle, thus carrying on the historic legacy while bringing a contemporary vision to the vineyard's management.

The vineyard

The plot dedicated to this cuvée spans just 0.25 hectares within the Pommard appellation. Located on a mid-slope, this specific terroir is characterised by clay soils particularly rich in iron oxides, giving the earth its typical reddish hue. Vine work incorporates sustainable methods, including the targeted use of horse ploughing to preserve the structure and vitality of the soils.

The vintage

The year began with a mild winter leading to early budbreak, followed by spring rains that maintained the vines' vigour. The summer period was marked by four heatwaves, but timely rainfall in mid-August helped avoid excessive water stress. The particularly early harvest began at the end of August, yielding grapes of impeccable health and generous yields.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking of the Pommard 1er Cru "Les Rugiens Bas" 2023 favours the use of whole bunches, fermented in large traditional wooden vats. Maceration lasts around 25 days, accompanied by manual punching down to regulate temperature. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 22 to 24 months in oak barrels, 30 to 40% of which are new. Bottling is done by gravity, without fining or filtration.

Grape variety

Pinot Noir (100%).