Domaine de Montille Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens-Bas 2022 is a magnificent expression of Pinot Noir from one of the most prestigious Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. Combining remarkable concentration, muscular structure, and exceptional finesse, this distinguished wine captures the power and complexity that have made Les Rugiens one of Pommard's most celebrated terroirs.
Situated on the southern slopes of Pommard, Les Rugiens-Bas is particularly prized for its iron-rich, reddish clay and limestone soils, which contribute to the vineyard's distinctive mineral character, depth, and impressive aging potential. Often considered among the finest Premier Cru sites in Pommard, Les Rugiens-Bas produces wines of extraordinary intensity and sophistication, frequently compared in stature to Grand Cru Burgundy.
Under the direction of Étienne de Montille, Domaine de Montille has earned international acclaim for its precise, terroir-driven winemaking and dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The estate's interpretation of Les Rugiens-Bas emphasizes purity, structure, and elegance, allowing the exceptional vineyard character to take center stage.
The outstanding 2022 vintage brings generous fruit concentration balanced by freshness and precision. The aromatic profile reveals layers of black cherries, ripe raspberries, dark plums, and wild berries, complemented by notes of violets, exotic spices, forest floor, and subtle earthy minerality.
On the palate, the wine is concentrated and beautifully structured, offering rich dark berry flavors, firm yet refined tannins, and vibrant acidity. Hints of licorice, savory spice, and crushed stone add complexity, while its powerful mineral backbone carries through to a long, persistent, and elegantly balanced finish.
A truly exceptional Premier Cru Burgundy, the 2022 Les Rugiens-Bas combines the intensity and authority of classic Pommard with the precision and refinement that define Domaine de Montille. Built for extended cellaring, this remarkable wine promises to develop extraordinary complexity and elegance over the coming decades.
Expert Rating
94–96 Points Jasper Morris — Barrel Sample: 100% whole bunch vinification. Heady dense purple, with a significant intensity of fruit. This should be quite special from the first sniff. This is really intense, with a backbone that lends a crispness to the finish. Brian was keen not to overdo the 2022s and they will continue to gain weight from here. I think this will prove to be a great Pommard Rugiens. Drink from 2032.
95 Points Decanter: The Rugiens-Bas was always a favourite of Hubert de Montille, who crafted the wine in a tannic, concentrated style. Under his son Etienne and technical director Brian Sieve, he delivers a more modern-style, approachable, yet substantial wine. This wine makes a strong impression with its aromas of black plum, mulberry, and hints of smoke and earth. The texture is full-bodied and tannic, but the robust structure is managed well. The grapes from their hectare of vines in the best part of Rugiens-Bas are fermented as whole clusters and aged in cask (40% new).
Food Pairing: Excellent with roasted duck, venison, braised short ribs, beef tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb, wild mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.
Wine Details
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Producer: Domaine de Montille
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Wine: Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens-Bas
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Vintage: 2022
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Country: France
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Region: Burgundy
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Subregion: Côte de Beaune
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Appellation: Pommard Premier Cru AOC
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Vineyard: Les Rugiens-Bas (Premier Cru)
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Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
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Wine Type: Red Wine
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Style: Dry, medium-to-full-bodied, powerful and structured
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Farming: Organic and biodynamic
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Soil: Iron-rich red clay and limestone
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Bottle Size: 750ml
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Serving Temperature: 55–60°F (13–16°C)
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Cellaring Potential: Approximately 15–25+ years under proper storage conditions
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