Domaine Kuheiji Pommard Premier Cru Les Arvelets 2022

Terroir

The "Les Arvelets" Premier Cru is situated on a steep, south-facing slope where the soil is remarkably red, rich in iron and clay. This specific orientation allows the grapes to soak up the sun, ensuring perfect ripeness while the limestone bedrock provides a firm, mineral foundation. At Domaine Kuheiji, this vineyard is treated with the utmost precision to ensure that the wine captures the powerful, sauvage character that makes Pommard so legendary, yet with a refined elegance unique to this plot.

Producer

Domaine Kuheiji is the visionary project of Kuheiji Kono, a 15th-generation Sake master who brought his philosophy of craftsmanship from Japan to the heart of Burgundy. His approach is defined by an obsession with raw materials and a "hands-off" winemaking style that allows the vineyard to speak for itself. In the cellar, Japanese precision meets French tradition, resulting in wines that are pure, intentional, and deeply connected to their origins.

Wine

The Pommard Premier Cru "Les Arvelets" 2022 is a masterpiece of balance and intensity. It opens with an alluring bouquet of dark forest fruits, black cherries, and a touch of wild spice. On the palate, it is remarkably deep and concentrated, showing the classic Pommard power but with tannins that are surprisingly silky and well-polished. The finish is long and vibrant, leaving a trail of mineral tension and dark fruit that lingers beautifully.

Vintage

The 2022 vintage was a dream year for Burgundy. Despite a hot and dry summer, the grapes reached perfect maturity, resulting in wines that are concentrated, supple, and juicy. Surprisingly, even with this richness, the 2022 Pinot Noirs, especially at the Premier Cru level, maintain a beautiful fresh energy and an elegant, silky texture, making them incredibly rewarding even in their youth.

Pairing

A wine of this stature deserves a dish with depth. It pairs magnificently with slow-braised beef, venison with a berry reduction, or an earthy wild mushroom tart. For a nod to the producer’s Japanese heritage, try it with grilled duck breast glazed with a hint of balsamic and soy, or a rich umami-laden dish featuring black truffles.

Serving

Serve at approximately 16 to 18°C. To fully appreciate the complexity of this Premier Cru, we recommend decanting the wine for at least 60 minutes. Use a large Burgundy glass to allow the powerful aromas and layered structure to breathe and reveal their true charm.