Domaine Parent

Domaine Parent, located in Pommard, in the heart of Côte d’Or, is today run by Anne Parent and her sister Catherine Fages-Parent, representing the 12th generation, and perpetuating a family tradition dating back to the 17th century.

Pommard has often been overlooked by many buyers as it does not have any Grand Cru vineyards. For savvy buyers this is a blessing as the world’s obsession with Grand Cru continues to escalate, along with pricing. This is a brilliantly-run small estate managed by the charismatic Anne Parent and her sister Catherine. As you leave Beaune driving south, Pommard and Volnay stand out as two gorgeous villages nestled to your right. As you park up in Pommard, you cannot fail to immerse yourself in the history of this pretty village. A beautiful chocolate shop sits opposite the main square and domaine Parent’s cellar and office are a haven of tranquillity. A tasting at the domaine is a truly magical experience. Each wine simply delights. 

As Anne herself puts it: “the fruit is fantastic, very classic in structure. I think you should not rush this vintage – some start slowly and can become great.”

Tasting at Domaine Parent is always one of the highlights of Burgundy, with incredibly consistency of concentration, polish, and elegance. It is this consistency that is most on show in 2021, with a range of superb wines being offered across the appellations. Anne Parent’s winemaking style emphasises richness and power. Combined with a programme of ageing in new oak, her wines are perfect for lovers of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir. Yet they are also firm, traditionally structured and ageworthy, and incredibly ‘correct’ to their terroir, varying across vineyard holdings from silky-soft to deep and rich.  Anne reigned back her use of new oak in 2021, to suit a fresher, more energetic and classically-structured vintage. Nevertheless, the wines have the depth, complexity and intensity required to reward lengthy cellar time. Many will drink into the 2040s.

Nevertheless, power is available in 2021 – particularly in the guise of Pommard Les Epenots 1er Cru, described by Neal Martin as “brimming with energy.” This sits alongside Parent’s Corton Les Renardes, which “has a very focused and intense bouquet.” 50% was aged in new oak this vintage, instead of the usual 100%.

Towards the more delicate, silkier and more perfumed end of the range, it’s worth considering Ladoix La Corvée 1er Cru, which Martin considers to be “pretty” and “a delight.” It offers tremendous value for money. Also a great buy is Parent’s Pommard Les Argillières 1er Cru, which is “quite Volnay like”, with a “persistent and silky-smooth finish.”

Availability is extremely limited, please don’t delay

We highly recommend these wines. This is our 12th year of shipping from this classically old fashioned yet innovative domaine. Anne Parent is respected as one of the key players in the village. The domaine has enviable parcels and knows how to produce a great wine.

THE CRITICS ON ANNE PARENT

“Anne Parent is one of the most interesting and articulate producers of her generation.” Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

“I was very impressed with the quality I found here, and these are wines to search for.” Allen Meadows, Burghound

“I love them! Maybe without the veneer of new oak that I occasionally find a little obfuscating, I found these wines have sparkle or what the French call “éclat”. Coerced wisely to use less wood, Parent’s wines benefitted and being the experienced and skilful winemaker that she is, this represents one of the most successful ranges in Pommard.” Neal Martin, Vinous