Domaine Comte Armand / Clos des Epeneaux
Overview
Historic Pommard domaine best known for its monopole of the Clos des Epeneaux premier cru (5+ ha). Regisseur Paul Zinetti (since 2010, in charge since 2014) is being succeeded by Australian Jane Eyre (trained with Comtes Lafon; runs an eponymous negoce since 2011). It is unclear whether Eyre will serve as regisseuse or who will formally manage the domaine. The Clos des Epeneaux is composed of approximately 80% Petits Epenots and 20% Grands Epenots with vine ages from 18 to 80+ years.
Appellations
- Pommard 1er Cru: Clos des Epeneaux (monopole)
- Volnay 1er Cru: Fremiets; village
- Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru and village
Key Wines
- Pommard “Clos des Epeneaux” (1er cru monopole) — the domaine’s flagship; 5+ ha
- Volnay “Fremiets” (1er cru)
Style Notes
Under Zinetti, the domaine has favored a transparent, non-interventionist style. In 2024, no whole clusters were used to avoid over-extraction risk. Zinetti described the 2024s as “perhaps the most transparent wines I have ever made here.”
2024 Vintage Notes (Burghound #102)
Paul Zinetti: 2024 was an “unmitigated beast from start to finish.” Picked from Sept 16. Clos des Epeneaux yields only 10 hl/ha (mildew pressure worse there due to high walls limiting airflow); Fremiets ~25 hl/ha. Potential alcohols ~13.2%. Soft vinification, no whole clusters. Zinetti: “I would certainly rank the quality of our 2024s above that of say 2021.”
2024 Scores (barrel):
- Volnay “Fremiets” 1er: (89-91) — exuberantly fresh and perfumed; better volume and density; could use better depth
- Pommard “Clos des Epeneaux” 1er: (89-91) — unusually expressive for such a young Clos des Epeneaux; good vibrancy and volume; “perfectly good but is unlikely to go down as one of the better vintages for this storied wine”
- Auxey-Duresses “1er”: (88-91) — mineral-driven; more structured; needs patience
- Volnay (villages): (87-90) — not generous on finish; benefit of the doubt
- Auxey-Duresses: (87-89) — vibrant lighter weight
My Tastings
(none yet)
Sources
sources/articles/Burghound/Burghound Issue 102 - 2024 and 2023 Cote de Beaune Reds.txt