2010 Domaine Michel Lafarge, Volnay Premier Cru, Clos des Chenes 1x750ml

Robert Parker 94

The 2010 Volnay Clos des Chenes sweeps across the palate with endless layers of fruit. It is a gorgeous, seamless wine graced with exquisite finesse and class. Nothing really stands out, as all of the elements are perfectly in place. Suave, silky tannins frame a long, utterly polished finish supported by insistent saline notes. This is a great showing. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. Yields were down 40% in 2010 at Lafarge. According to Frederic Lafarge, a superb September saved a year marked by damp, cold weather during the flowering and later throughout the summer. On the positive side, the low yields per plant allowed the grapes to achieve full phenolic ripeness. The 2010s were racked in mid-August 2011 and were aging on their fine lees when I tasted them from barrel in November 2011. As pretty as the 2010s are, today I have a slight preference for the 2009s. That said, the 2010s are terrific, and many of the wines are at or near the top of their respective peer groups. 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 [Antonio Galloni, 29/02/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040

Vinous 93-95

The 2010 Volnay Clos des Chenes sweeps across the palate with endless layers of fruit. It is a gorgeous, seamless wine graced with exquisite finesse and class. Nothing really stands out, as all of the elements are perfectly in place. Suave, silky tannins frame a long, utterly polished finish supported by insistent saline notes. This is a great showing. [Antonio Galloni, 02/01/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040