Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 95
The 2017 Volnay Clos des Chenes 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.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2050
Wine Advocate 93
The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des ChA nes 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 ChA nes 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.
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)
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2037
