Pommard Epenots 1928

1928 Pommard Epenots Dr. Barolet bottling. 94pts The mood is right tonight because I am with my gorgeous woman at the French Laundry in our home terroir of Napa Valley. I wanted to bring something tonight that would compliment the Perigord truffle dishes that were in season this autumn. Head sommelier Dennis recommended we open pour straight without decanting, so as to to capture the delicacy and earthiness the '28 Epenot had to offer. Remember, Epenot can be a tannic monster in its youth, but with 84 years of age and the substantial sediment that had been thrown swiringling in the bottom of this bottle, we hoped it was going to be soft and sexy.The nose was splendid right off the first inhale! Wow, major wet madrone forest floor smell, damp leaves live you are out chantrelle hunting. The color is stunning gypsy exotic ruby red, and glimmering back up in our faces off off the array silver ware on our table for two. (some have said that Barolet may have spiked a little Chateauneuf in old negociant acquisitions like this, but this bottle seems all pristine Burgundy all the way to me!) Then to the palate; oh my goodness this is so smooth, no harsh edges whatsoever obviously but the impressive thing is the sheer weight on the mid palate of this wine while it simultaneously floats with bright sweet plum flesh and acidity. The flavors are more dark and brooding than the northern communes for me. And acidity here is the key to this wine's longevity, it just keeps delivering the one-two punch of acid refreshing the tounge then pow the fruit strikes you. Its a completely pleasurable knockout!

- Mario Sculatti / Sleeping Lady Vineyard