Romuald Valot Pommard Clos de Verger Premier Cru 2020

93pt. Pommard 1er Cru, from the Burgundy-born and rising-star phenom that is Romuald Valot is quite the treat – and this “profoundly serious and focused” Pommard is everything you could want from Burgundy pinot noir...minus the crazy price!

We’re admittedly still new to the Romuald Valot fan club – but everything we’ve tasted, both from his star-making Beaujolais bottlings and these new parcels of mighty Burgundy – have left us simply stunned. This is undoubtedly one of the best off-the-radar finds in Burgundy today, but the secret whispers are growing to a steady rumble and this producer promises to become a household name in next to no time at all.

Romuald was born the son of a vigneron in a long line of a vigneron family, all focused on Burgundy. Yet, growing up – working for the big houses of Burgundy, in those famed Grand Cru vineyards – he turned away from wine after becoming jaded with what went on behind the scenes. His vision of the “one man and field” approach utilized by his ancestors had been replaced by a barrage of commercial farming practices – and the notion of terroir was masked along the way. He couldn’t afford to buy his own parcel, which meant he couldn’t make the wines he wanted. So he packed up and moved to Beaujolais – where the dream he envisioned could still be sought. His status grew, wine by wine, plot by plot – becoming revered as a vigneron with a knack for capturing the spirit of his vines in liquid form. As his following grew, and his business stabilized – he began planning his return to Burgundy.

He has carefully selected vineyards with character to showcase the very best expressions of the land – and then farms them organically with great care. This Clos de Verger site – a 2-hectare walled vineyard on the northwestern edge of Pommard – is a unique 1er Cru parcel that stands on south-facing slopes of La Grande Combe valley that cuts across the Pommard escarpment. Here, the afternoon warmth helps to produce elegant and powerful wines, and Valot’s touch grants the sense of timeless wonderment found in the best of Burgundy.

Beguiling aromas of smoked hay, and black tea, followed up by bramble berries such raspberries, and red currants, then rich and voluptuous black cherries – all amplified with tons of savory and meaty elements like wild fennel, porcini mushroom, and dried beef. It’s delightfully old-school Burgundy built for the long haul, but with a minty freshness that awakens gloriously with a bit of air. This is simply marvelous stuff – and one that every Burghound should add to their collection. Nearly 45% off makes this attention-worthy, and 93 points is merely a glimmer into this wines potential. Grab a couple and thank us later!

PAIRING IDEAS: The weather hasn’t cooled off much yet, but once it does – I’m opting for a bottle of this and a soul-satisfying risotto with some duck confit and black trumpet mushrooms. A bit of lemon zest to finish, and winter living will suddenly become a whole lot better.