The producer
Comte Armand has owned the Clos des Epeneaux since 1826, the names synonymous as that was the only vineyard holding until 1994. A succession of talented winemakers – Pascal Marchand, Benjamin Leroux and now Paul Zinetti – have made exquisite wines since 1985, placing the estate at the pinnacle of wines from Pommard.
The Clos des Epeneaux spans the border of Grands and Petits Epenots, being made up of a piece of each but showing a distinct personality rather than a composite of both. It vies with Les Rugiens-Bas for the finest wines from the Pommard appellation. Since 1994 the estate has expanded to 9ha with Premier Crus in Volnay (Les Fremiets) and a rather impressive Auxey-Duresses, as well as village holdings in both.
The wine
The 5.23 hectares walled Clos des Epeneaux climat is owned entirely by Comte Armand. The clos spans the borders between Grands and Petits Epenots, and the soil is rich in stones and ferrous oxide which lends its character to the wines from here. Arguably the most complete expression of Pommard, Clos des Epeneaux is richly and vibrantly red fruited with layers of mineral and spice complexity, seamless tannins, and a velvety texture.
