2014 Volnay

(Rossignol's five lower parcels were hit by hail and the one at the top was undamaged; Rossignol vinified them separately and then blended them for aging):Deep red-ruby. Attractive perfume to the aromas and flavors of black cherry, menthol, brown spices and garrigue ; a slightly roasted quality is countered by an element of medicinal reserve. In a very ripe style but enlivened by chalky minerality. Finishes with ripe tannins and a burst of cherry.

The 2014 Volnay Village, which includes fruit from declassified Taillepieds plus five villages cru, has a crisp fresh cranberry and Morello cherry nose. There is a pastille-like purity here. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy red berry fruit, nicely weighted on the entry but a little monotone towards the finish that at the moment, cuts away rapidly, though I think it will fill out by bottling.