Lafarge Volnay Vendanges Selectionnes 2022
Only made in the best vintages. From a mix of vines planted in the mid-1960’s (1.25ha) all of the plots abut 1er Cru vineyards all southeast facing on caly and limestone. 100% de-stemmed, 2-3-week ambient yeast fermentation, punch-downs and pump-overs, aged for 18 months in barrels (0-15% new), no fining or filtration.
‘The 2022 Volnay Vendange Sélectionée comes from four lieux-dits that touch the Premier Crus, whose fruit has more complexity. The fruit is slightly darker and, yes, more complex than the regular cuvée. The palate is medium-bodied and very harmonious; the 5-10% new oak binds this cuvée together nicely. There’s good depth, again, maybe a little Pommard-like structurally with a dense finish. Great potential. Drink 2028-2045’ (90-92) points, Neal Martin, Vinous Oct 2023
‘More seamless and enveloping, the 2022 Volnay Vendanges Sélectionées reveals notes of cherries, sweet berries, raw cocoa and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, with powdery structuring tannins, it will offer a broad drinking window.’ 89-91 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate Jan 2024
‘The best plots adjacent to the 1ers crus and with 10% new wood which the straight Volnay does not get. A little more fruit density on the nose, with a burst of red fruit energy on the palate, a tannin or two waiting to complete the rounding out process, the small percentage of new wood still evident at this stage. There is that much more to it than the regular Volnay in 2022. Drink from 2030-2037. Tasted Dec 2023.’ 91-93 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
‘A slightly more deeply pitched nose grudgingly offers up its blend of poached plum, black currant, spice and just enough wood to notice. The old vines are in evidence as the medium-bodied flavors are noticeably denser and more powerful with plenty of sappy dry extract buffering the firmer tannic spine shaping the sneaky long, balanced and youthfully austere finale. This is almost always excellent and so it is again in 2022. Drink 2032+ ’ OUTSTANDING! TOP VALUE 90-92 points, BURGHOUND.COM APR 2024