2020 Volnay Clos du Chateau des Ducs
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Volnay Clos du Château des Ducs 1er Cru carries a well-considered reduction on the nose that will dissipate with time. There's fine delineation, with blackberry and wild hedgerow aromas. A touch of sea spray comes through with time, showing decent sapidity. The palate is well-balanced with fine tannins, quite fleshy and well-balanced, with a keen line of acidity. The harmonious finish that, unlike others, conveys the grape variety on the finish. Lafarge's wines always go through an awkward adolescence, and this is no different. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Don't miss! Outstanding. This also displays a touch of bourgeon de cassis though it's sufficiently subtle that I doubt it will last. More interesting are the very punchy and beautifully delineated medium-bodied flavors that brim with focused power and minerality on the chalky, moderately austere and hugely long finish. This is jaw droppingly good; indeed it's a veritable 'wow' wine.
The 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Clos du Château des Ducs is liable to overshadow even the emblematic Clos des Chênes this year. Offering up a profound bouquet of blackberries, sweet spices, rose petals, orange rind, summer truffles and forest floor, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and immensely concentrated, with lively acids, abundant but almost imperceptible tannins and a long, saline finish.
Cask sample. Deep ruby; richness and velvet texture. Tannins are more discreet, but this is extremely long, concentrated and powerful. (MH)