2015 Domaine Michel Lafarge, Volnay Premier Cru, Clos des Ducs 1x750ml

Vinous NR

The 2015 Volnay 1er Cru has a broody, earthy bouquet of slightly smudged red berry fruit that gradually opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with stringy tannin, a little chewiness in the mouth and some hardness on a finish that cuts away more swiftly than I would like. I just think this is in a shut-down phase, so I will not score it until I have a chance to revisit it. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting. [Neal Martin, 13/11/2018]

Robert Parker 93

The 2015 Volnay 1er Cru Chateau du Clos des Ducs has what you might describe as an "aristocratic" bouquet, one that is distant and almost aloof at first and yet warming to you in its presence, revealing superb mineralite and tension. The palate is medium-bodied with thickset, rather rigid tannin that lend this body and density, the fruit darker and perhaps more masculine than Lafarge’s Volnay Pitures and Mitans. It delivers a very focused, rather grippy finish and wonderful persistence. This has long-term prospects and should be reserved for those with patience or children with a penchant for seriously good Volnay. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045