2015 Volnay Clos des Chenes
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The 2015 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru was my least preferred Volnay from Lafon out of barrel, but ends up getting the highest score in bottle. It has a composed, refined bouquet with detailed, slightly earthy red currant and cranberry fruit, the mineral element tucked in just behind and becoming more palpable with aeration. The palate is well balanced with impressive substance, crisp mineral-laden dark berry fruit and subtle cassis and briary notes. This is very focused, persistent and full of tension - a quite superb Clos des Chênes. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting. (DIAM 30 closure)
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Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Healthy, dark red-ruby color. Reticent, youthfully medicinal aromas of purple and black berries, licorice and crushed rock. Then densely packed and surprisingly deep, with its moderately sweet dark fruit flavors framed by sound acidity and firm underlying tannins.
The 2015 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes, which includes 50% whole cluster this year after the fruit was picked on 31 August, will be matured in a maximum of one-third new oak. It has a fragrant raspberry and blackberry-scented bouquet with a touch of iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with lush tannin, a fine bead of acidity and very pure raspberry, wild strawberry and blueberry notes that flourish towards the generous finish. This is a fine Clos des Chênes, though surpassed by the Volnay Champans and Santenots this year.