The 2009 Pommard 1er Cru “Les Pézerolles” from Bouchard Père & Fils hails from the Pommard appellation in the Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France. This Premier Cru vineyard, Les Pézerolles, spans about 15 acres on limestone and clay soils north of the Pommard village, contributing to its structured yet elegant profile. The wine exhibits a deep ruby color with a garnet edge as it matures. The nose is notably ripe yet refined, offering aromas of black cherry, cassis, and wild berries, accented by hints of stone, earth, and subtle spice from oak aging. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, with detailed, precise flavors, fine-grained tannins, and energetic acidity, leading to an excellent, lingering finish. Vinification includes hand-harvesting, fermentation in small vats to preserve parcel-specificity, and aging for 12–14 months in French oak barrels (approximately 40% new), balancing fruit purity with a polished texture. The 2009 vintage, a warm year in Burgundy, delivers a wine of richness and approachability with good structure.
Food Pairings
This expressive Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with:
- Red Meats: Grilled beef, lamb chops, or roasted pork tenderloin.
- Game: Duck, pheasant, or venison with a berry sauce.
- Mushrooms: Wild mushroom risotto or chanterelle-stuffed chicken.
- Cheeses: Époisses, aged Comté, or soft Brie. Its balance of fruit and earthiness suits both hearty and delicate dishes.
Critics Reviews
The 2009 Pommard Les Pézerolles from Bouchard Père & Fils has earned praise from critics:
- Burghound (Allen Meadows): 91/100 (May 2011), noting “a notably ripe yet elegant and admirably pure nose… detailed, precise and energetic middle weight flavors… relatively fine tannins and excellent length… classy effort.”
- Wine Advocate: Often rates Bouchard’s 2009 Pommards in the 90–92 range, with comments on their “ripe fruit and savory balance.”
- CellarTracker: Community average around 91/100, with descriptors like “perfumed, dark fruit, juicy yet structured.” The 2009 vintage in Burgundy was exceptional, with warm weather yielding ripe, approachable wines with solid structure, and this Pézerolles exemplifies that success under Bouchard’s meticulous care.
Drink Window
- Recommended Drinking Window: 2014–2025
- As of April 9, 2025, the 2009 is at the end of its optimal window. It’s fully mature, with softened tannins and evolved notes (earth, spice) alongside fading fruit. Well-stored bottles may still offer pleasure, but it’s best enjoyed now, as further aging may diminish its vibrancy.
Additional Notes
Bouchard Père & Fils, established in 1731, owns 130 hectares across Burgundy, including significant Premier Cru holdings like Les Pézerolles. The 2009 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, producing wines with ripe fruit and fine balance, making this a standout from a lesser-known but high-quality climat.
