2020 Pommard 1. Cru Pezerolles Ballot Millot

Rich deep purple black, but the bouquet is not at all over the top. Dark cherry perhaps but sensual rather than cooked. This is beautifully balanced, a big step up, with an intriguing density of dark fruit that swarms across the palate. A little acidity, the tannins are ripe, so the structure at the back is just what is wanted.

A more elegant array includes notes of black cherry coulis, a range of spice elements and floral wisps, in particular violet. I very much like the texture of the more refined yet slightly more concentrated flavors that conclude in a mildly austere finish where a touch of warmth also appears. This too could use better depth, but my rating offers the benefit of the doubt that it will progressively develop over time.