Pommard Premier Cru 'Les Grands Épenots', Domaine Clos de la Chapelle, 2024

Est. delivery in 2027.

The 2024 vintage was not straightforward at Clos de la Chapelle. Mildew pressure was significant, particularly in sensitive sites, and overall yields were low, averaging around 20 hl/ha. Champs Pimonts, with its comparatively healthy crop, played an outsized role in stabilising volumes. As with previous challenging years like 2021, the season demanded patience. A dry, sunny end to the cycle allowed the team to wait for full phenolic ripeness, stretching the growing season to close to 100 days – always the benchmark – with very little botrytis to contend with.

The domaine favours whole-bunch fermentation in principle, but 2024 didn’t allow for it. Either conditions were too cool, or ripeness demanded earlier picking, leaving stems insufficiently mature. All reds were therefore vinified without whole bunch, in service of purity and balance.

The results are convincing across both colours. These are wines built on freshness and site expression rather than sheer weight, and 2024 stands out as a genuine success for the domaine. We are particularly pleased to be working exclusively with Clos de la Chapelle again this year, and firmly believe this is one of Volnay’s most exciting addresses.