Les Croix Noires

Les Croix Noires sits on the southern edge of Pommard, closer to the Volnay border than the village center. The climat lies below the celebrated Les Rugiens and alongside Les Frémiers, placing it in terrain that transitions between the two communes. The east-facing slope runs from roughly 250 to 330 meters in elevation, receiving morning sun and benefiting from the moderating influences of Burgundy's oceanic and semi-continental climate.

• Located on the Volnay side of Pommard village
• Bordered by Les Rugiens above and Les Frémiers alongside
• East-facing aspect at 250 to 330 meters elevation

The soils at Les Croix Noires are clay-limestone in composition, with notably deep clay profiles reaching approximately 0.8 meters. This depth of clay is a defining terroir factor: it retains moisture, moderates vine stress in dry years, and contributes to the wine's characteristic weight and density. Compared to the thinner, more limestone-dominant soils found higher on the Pommard slope, the deeper clay here drives a fuller, more concentrated style of Pinot Noir.

• Clay-limestone soils with clay depth to approximately 0.8 meters
• Deeper clay retains moisture and supports concentrated fruit expression
• Soil profile distinguishes this climat from higher-elevation Pommard sites

Les Croix Noires produces dark, concentrated red wines that reflect the Pommard appellation's reputation for structure and grip. Expect firm tannins, full body, and flavors centered on black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with aromatic notes of earth and mocha. The wines sit comfortably within the Pommard house style but carry a particular depth driven by the deep clay soils. These are wines built for the cellar, typically requiring several years of bottle age to show their best.

• Dark, concentrated Pinot Noir with firm tannin structure
• Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and plum
• Earthy and mocha aromas typical of the climat
• Cellar-worthy style, benefits from medium to long ageing

Given the climat's small size of approximately 1.3 hectares, only a handful of producers hold parcels in Les Croix Noires. Domaine de Courcel is among the most prominent names associated with Pommard Premier Cru production overall and brings significant experience to this site. Domaine Parent is one of the oldest domaines in Pommard with deep roots in the appellation. The Boillot family is represented through both Domaine Louis Boillot and Domaine Lucien Boillot and Fils, reflecting the extended family's long presence across the Côte de Beaune.

• Domaine de Courcel: leading Pommard estate with strong Premier Cru holdings
• Domaine Parent: historic Pommard domaine
• Domaine Louis Boillot and Domaine Lucien Boillot and Fils: family representation across the Côte de Beaune