2016 Pommard Les Rugiens

(Girardin purchased two barrels of this wine from 80-year-old vines in Rugiens-Bas, one of them new, in December of '16 and immediately moved it into their own barrels; but Eric Germain noted that the Girardin team worked these vines and oversaw the vinification): Bright medium red-ruby. Aromas of currant, tobacco and soy sauce. Then surprisingly high-pitched and tight on the palate, with a brisk spine of acidity and big tannins clamping down on the wine's fruit. Not at all a sweet style, this finishes with a note of licorice and serious medicinal reserve. It will require considerable patience.