A lively mid purple in colour, while the bouquet suggests a fully ripe plummy fruit. This is quite distinguished, and less overtly accessible than the first wine. I appreciated the grainy note from the tannins at the back, and the fruit and the acidity are well integrated. Very persistent. A stylish Pommard!Tasted: September 2019.

(92-94) The 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens Cuvée Hubert apparently had a very late malolactic that did not finish until September or October. Similar to the previous two vintages, it comes from the lieu-dit "Les Rugiens-Bas." It has a complex and inviting bouquet with black cherries, crushed rose petals and undergrowth aromas, just a suggestion of dried blood emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied, the 40% new oak is absorbed by the fleshy red fruit, and it is adorned with a lovely, ferrous finish. Drink over the next 15 or 20 years.

(91-93) A discreet but not invisible application of wood surrounds overtly spicy and floral aromas of plum and dark currant that flash plenty of earth characters. There is first-rate punch to the delineated, muscular and mineral-inflected broad-shouldered flavors that terminate in a saline, youthfully austere and impressively persistent finish. Patience will clearly be essential as this will need time.

91+ The 2016 Pommard Les Rugiens-Bas 1er Cru shows a little reduction on the nose, although it blows away to reveal attractive tobacco and smoke infused red fruit, more earthy in style compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent red berry fruit, and grippy tannins. The creamy texture on the finish just feels a bit otiose. Hopefully it will gain more elegance with continued bottled age. Gutsy. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting. -- Neal Martin