2017 Michel Lafarge, Volnay 1er Cru, Clos des Chenes 6x75cl

JancisRobinson.com – 17/20

Barrel sample of final blend. Almost 1 ha (it is 16 ha in total). Redder and much shallower soils over the limestone compared with the Clos du Chateau des Ducs. More savoury and spicy on the nose. More cedary and tight. Smells of the forest. But then there’s sweetness on the palate. Deep and savoury in the mouth, with fine-grained though evident tannins and a spiciness in the texture, if you can imagine that. The least obviously fruity of the Lafarge wines. (JH) [30/11/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2037

Robert Parker – 93

The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes is the most complex and concentrated wine in the Lafarge cellar, wafting from the glass with notes of sweet plums, spices, candied peel, espresso roast and dark chocolate. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with a layered mid-palate framed by an abundance of chalky structuring tannins, concluding with a long, chalky finish. The Lafarge parcel is located at the northeastern extreme of Clos des Chênes where it’s more sheltered from the wind than much of the vineyard, which may partially explain why it always seems to stand apart from other domaines’ renditions. [08/12/2018]

Vinous – 95

The 2017 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a deep, broody, almost surly bouquet that gradually unfolds in the glass to reveal blackberry, raspberry and briary aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm and grippy tannin on the entry. This feels saline in the mouth, very focused and almost symmetrical in style, building towards a smooth and very harmonious, yet grippy finish that lingers in the mouth. Outstanding. [Neal Martin, 10/01/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2050