2008 Volnay Clos des Chenes
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2008 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru is a vintage where Frédéric Lafarge mentioned there were many decisions to take during the season. It has quite an austere, Pommard-like bouquet, well defined and fresh, but undeniably just a little earthy (damp earth) and rustic. The palate is well balanced with ample depth, slightly minty on the entry, fresh with a linear, quite masculine finish. But this has evolved very nicely over the last 13 years, and whilst not the best vintage, it is à point and delicious.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
This too serves up a remarkably layered if extremely reserved nose that displays plenty of earth and spice as well as very fresh and cool aromas of red and blue pinot, floral notes and an obvious mineral influence that continues onto the tautly muscular and overtly powerful big-bodied flavors that are long, serious and focused on the presently austere finish. It's interesting to compare the quality of the tannins between this and the Caillerets - here they are denser but less fine and as a consequence, this will need a few extra years of cellar time. *Outstanding*
The 2008 Volnay Clos des Chenes is a powerful, intense Burgundy. There is a weightless energy to the Clos des Chenes that I find hugely appealing. Beautifully delineated aromatics and fruit are nicely framed by the clean, saline finish. This is an impeccable wine from Lafarge. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet, various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Veritas Imports, Beverly Hills, CA; tel. (310) 205-3803; Toepfer Imports LLC, CO; tel. (303) 818-7640