Les Rugiens is Pommard`s top premier cru, named for its iron-rich red soil. It is composed of Les Rugiens-Hauts and Les Rugiens-Bas, of which Les Rugiens-Bas is recognised as producing more intense and powerful wines. In the hands of Domaine de Montille it produces something more refined than Pommard`s perhaps outdated rustic reputation suggests. The 1996 vintage brought firm acidity and excellent structure across the Côte de Beaune, and this wine has aged into a deep garnet-brick colour with notes of black cherry, damson, earth and a savoury, slightly smoky edge. The palate is dense yet elegant, with firm tannin. Best served with roast beef or hard cheese.