2016 Volnay Clos des Chenes
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a very pure bouquet. The fruit is slightly more confit and darker than Château de Meursault’s Clos des Chênes, yet sharing the same clarity and focus. The oak is very well assimilated. The palate is very intense with blackberry, raspberry and touches of cassis, harmonious and poised with hints of bitter cherry on the juicy finish. Plenty of substance here but it turns pruney with time. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting in Burgundy.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes comprises only older, 80-year-old vines that were whole bunch, around one-third of the blend, and the younger vines that were destemmed. It has quite a spicy nose with hints of Moroccan spices filtering through the red and black fruit and hints of sandalwood and sage. The palate is very poised on the entry with fine but firm tannin that lends it a Pommard-like personality. I like the salinity of this Volnay that gets the saliva glands flowing, crisp with an oyster shell finish that is not persistent but just very precise. It just needs a little more finesse to develop with time.
25% new oak (his maximum). Two equal parcels: planted 1938 and 2000. 30% whole bunch. Barrel sample. Mid crimson. Very serious and fresh and meat and two veg-like. Lovely texture and race and fabulous harmony. Dry finish. Lots of majesty. Intense. (JR)