Pommard Les Trois Follots 2023 Domaine Lejeune

The Pommard Les Trois Follots 2023 from Domaine Lejeune is the entry point into one of Pommard's most historic and authentic domaines, with family roots reaching back to 1850. Cloaked in a deep colour, this cuvée reveals notes of small red and black fruits underscored by delicate oak. These aromas carry through into a full, fleshy yet fresh palate, with silky tannins. A Pommard of true terroir, vinified in whole bunches according to the domaine's signature approach, which embodies better than most the structured and complex character of this great Côte de Beaune appellation.

The terroir and vineyard

The lieu-dit Les Trois Follots is a parcel within the Pommard village appellation, its evocative name referring to three historically contiguous parcels that compose it. Planted on the iron-rich clay-limestone soils characteristic of Pommard, these red earth lands rich in iron oxides are precisely responsible for the deep, tannic and structured character that sets Pommard apart from other Côte de Beaune appellations. This plain and mid-slope terroir, well east-facing, benefits from remarkable natural drainage and natural mineral richness that give Pinot Noir unusual depth and aromatic complexity. The parcel yields between 30 and 50 hectolitres per hectare depending on the vintage. Following strict manual harvest, grapes are transported in crates within the shortest possible timeframe to arrive intact at the cellar. Ageing takes place in 228-litre oak barrels, renewed at 20 and 30 per cent new wood. Whole-bunch vinification and long oak ageing are the domaine's signature. The domaine has been in organic conversion since 2017 and practices biodynamics.

Tasting profile

The colour is a beautiful ruby red. The nose displays fine aromatic complexity, led primarily by red fruits in a spiced framework. A structured Pommard, tannic, with notes of blackcurrant, plum, pepper and leather. The whole bunches, the domaine's absolute signature, bring floral freshness and a light spicy touch that lighten and complexify the naturally powerful tannic framework of the appellation. On the palate, you find good balance between suppleness and substance, closing with a long, persistent finish. The palate is full, fleshy yet fresh, with silky tannins. A wine for the cellar, ready to drink from 2027 and capable of harmonious evolution over eight to ten years.

The domaine

A domaine passed through the female line since 1850, administered and vinified by the men. François Jullien de Pommerol, former professor at the Beaune wine school, died in 2017, joined in 2005 by his son-in-law Aubert Lefas, who now leads the domaine. Whole-bunch vinification and long oak ageing are their signature, particularly for the Pommard wines that form the heart of their 10 hectares, complemented by a négociant business. The domaine has been in organic conversion since 2017 and practices biodynamics. Domaine Lejeune is a historic Burgundy estate based in the village of Pommard, recognised for its commitment to traditional winemaking practices and terroir expression. Its wines regularly display complexity, depth and balance between fruited flavours and earthy nuances, crafted to age with grace.

Food pairing

This Pommard Les Trois Follots pairs beautifully with beef burgundy simmered long and slow, a rack of lamb with Provençal herbs, game birds such as partridge with cabbage, a grilled beef rib with wild mushrooms, or duck with cherries. It will also find fine harmony with aged cheeses such as Époisses or Soumaintrain. Decanting for 45 minutes is advisable in its youth. Served between 15 and 17°C, it will reveal the full fruited depth, tannic structure and authenticity of a Pommard of terroir signed by one of the appellation's most principled estates.