Comtes Lafon Volnay 2018 (750ML)

93 DE / 90 VM / 89-91 BH / 89-91 JM / 88-90 WA

Dominique Lafon's village red comes from the young-vine parcels of his Volnay Santenots Premier Cru that were picked last - perhaps surprisingly - in 2018. This is a textbook example of what a Volnay should taste like, with nose-twithingly appealing aroma, pure, lacy, tannins, crunchy summer berry flavours and skilfully integrated 20% new wood.-Tim Atkin MW, Decanter

The 2018 Volnay Village is tightly wound on the nose, offering blackberry, wild strawberry and touches of pressed iris flower. The palate displays fine density for a Village Cru. Saline and quite spicy in the mouth, with a gentle grip on the finish. Maybe a slightly burly Volnay, it will need cellaring for 4–5 years before reaching its plateau.-Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Tasting note: A mentholated top note can be found on the slightly riper and more deeply pitched aromas of cassis, poached plum and dark raspberry. The exceptionally rich, even opulent and suave, medium-bodied flavors exude a subtle minerality on the sneaky long and more refined finish. This is ripe but lovely.—Allen Meadows, Burghound

Made from half a hectare of the youngest Santenots vines, planted between2002 and 2014. Fine even colour, classy Volnay perfume with excellent weight in the middle of the palate, lovely juicy deep red fruit, balanced and long. Tasted: October 2019.-Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

Produced from young vines in Santenots, the 2018 Volnay Village exhibits a rich bouquet of cassis, ripe plums, orange rind and creamy new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and gourmand, with juicy acids and powdery tannins.—William Kelley, The Wine Advocate