Located in Les Rugiens-Bas, this is a very fine example of Pommard which carries the weight and power expected of the AC but combines this with purity and a high degree of elegance. Dark and brooding in the glass, this is a powerful, earthy Pommard with 60% new oak still needing slightly longer to integrate. Ripe fruit flavours of dark cherry compote, blackcurrant and spice make this a refined Pommard with a good future ahead.

Bright fresh and vigorous in colour and indeed in fruit. Plenty of energy here with a slight ferrous note alongside the fruit, very promising. There is a huge intensity of raspberry fruit. This has magisterial weight, good tannins, but does the style of the fruit represent Rugiens? Well enough, I think. Tasted: September 2019.

(90-92 points) The 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens (Domaine du Pavillon), released under the Domaine du Pavillon label by Albert Bichot, includes 40% whole-bunch fruit and 40% new oak. It has a clean and pure bouquet with wild strawberry, raspberry preserve and redcurrant aromas, the oak nicely integrated and gaining vigor in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a juicy entry, harmonious and pure with well-judged acidity and a sense of energy conveyed by the finish. Excellent. - By Neal Martin on November 2018

The 2016 Pommard Les Rugiens 1er Cru has a luscious and extrovert bouquet that seems as if it might have been picked a little late. It is missing the finesse of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, and plenty of substance. A Pommard that seems to fill the mouth. I just find that the finish is too sweet for my liking, preferring some of its peers that demonstrate more structure and reserve at this early stage. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting. - Neal Martin