2020 Domaine Yvon Clerget Pommard Les Rugiens Premier Cru

Currently there is a significant generational shift happening in Burgundy, and these new names are seemingly better trained and better equipped to succeed than ever before. One of the most exciting of these new talents is Thibaud Clerget now heading up his family's Domaine Clerget. Based in Volnay, Thibaud represents the 28th generation of his family's winemaking history in Burgundy, and in a few brief vintages has created significant buzz. In true Burgundy tradition, Thibaud is equally as happy on the tractor in the vineyard as he is in the cellar, confident in taking on all aspects of the process. Since 2019 vintage the family holdings in Volnay and Meursault have been bolstered with further contract arrangements adding prime parcels such as Meursault Perrieres and Corton Grand Cru.

Other Reviews....
An interesting hint of blood orange adds breadth to the layered, cool and nearly as elegant aromas of rose petal, violet, poached plum and anise. There is excellent volume to the muscular and powerful big-bodied flavors that exude a lovely bead of minerality on the compact, moderately austere and beautifully well-balanced finale. This is terrific though note well that it is absolutely built for longer-term cellaring. Drink to 2035+.
92-95 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2020 Pommard Les Rugiens 1er Cru includes 20% whole bunch with 20% new oak, zero pigeage. The bouquet is taut, fresh and mineral-driven, really poised and surfeit with vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine bead of acidity, slightly chalky in texture, beautifully balanced with a persistent, complex finish. This is my pick from Clerget this vintage, a wine that boasts impressive potential pedigree. Drink 2026-2048.
94-96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

This is among the most concentrated wines, but it is very well-managed, showing notes of ripe, velvety plum fruit and a hint of saline minerality; there is great purity and nothing rustic. Only one pigeage was done during the entire cuvaison, and while the wine is tannic and firm, it also remains supple and accessible at the same time. Well done. The domaine farms 0.9ha, fermenting the grapes as 20% whole-cluster and ageing in 30% new casks. Drink 2025 - 2040.
95 points
Charles Curtis MW - Decanter

20% new wood and whole bunch, and one punch down. Mid to full purple with an interestingly complex nose, which has a certain but not exaggerated ripeness but then swings through several fruit profiles. Rich succulent fruit with significant charm, I like the way the tannins blend in, as Thibaut has indeed tried to vinify to accentuate the charm rather than the muscle. Exceptional persistence and a very good red velvet texture.
93-96 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy