Among all the well-known red wine villages in Burgundy, I believe Pommard is the village that I drink the least. Stylistically, Pommard is on the opposite side of Volnay even though they are both located in the Cote de Beaune. While Volnay is usually extremely elegant and light in colour, Pommard is usually full-bodied, deep in colour and quite tannic.
What contribute for such a big difference? I believe this is mainly because of their difference in soils and climate. Soils in Volnay is very high in limestone content. Vineyards are usually located at higher altitude. Cool climate and limestone usually led to wine that is more elegant. Pommard, on the other hand, has soils that is high in clay. Vineyards in Pommard are usually located in lower altitude. Wine, as a result, is more full-bodied and tannic.
Given that I usually prefer Burgundy wines that are elegant, I really drink more Volnay than Pommard. In addition to this, outstanding Pommard usually require very long ageing. Those Pommard that can be consumed relatively young are usually much lower in quality. I do encounter a lot of very average Pommard at village appellation in the past!
This bottle of 2007 Dom. J. M. Boillot Pommard is really showing typical Pommard characters. Full-bodied, tannic and muscular. Strong sour red fruits in its nose and palate with slight bitterness aftertaste. Another average quality Pommard at village appellation. Not bad but certainly not existing!
Purchased from Watsons Wine Cellar