2019 Volnay Clos des Ducs
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Volnay Clos du Château des Ducs 1er Cru has commendable purity on the nose, displaying raspberry, warm gravel and light undergrowth scents with satisfying delineation. The palate is fresh on the entry, with fine grip, dark berry fruit and hints of marmalade and allspice, and is quite dense toward the finish that just needs more mineralité and nerve. It should drink well over the next decade. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
At this early stage, the 2019 Volnay 1er Cru Clos du Château des Ducs appears to be the equal of the Clos des Chênes in quality, even if the two are very different in character. Bursting with notes of plums, peonies, orange rind, dark chocolate and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with a deep and multidimensional core, ultra-refined tannins and a long, resonant finish.
The 2019 Volnay Clos du Château des Ducs 1er Cru was de-stemmed by hand like the Mitans and Pezerolles. It has a deep, transparent, delineated bouquet with mineral-rich red fruit, rose petals and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky smooth entry, a light marine influence here with a hint of seaweed towards the persistent finish. Excellent.
Deep gravel on top of limestone. Protected from frost. This was harvested with Frédéric’s late father Michel and daughter Clothilde, to remind grandpa Michel of the old ways. Destemmed by hand on their distinctive round wicker grid ( claie d’égrappage ). Michel was thrilled to see all the grapes in such perfect health. His 70th and final vintage. An important milestone. Cask sample. Really intense with crackling edges to it somehow. Powerful and round and sumptuous. Very long indeed. (JR)