Volnay Clos du Chateau des Ducs Michel Lafarge 2016 (750ML)

93-95 Points, Allen Meadows, Burghound: "Lafarge explained that this was made from fruit that was destemmed by hand using what the Burgundians call a claie en osier, or a lattice made of wicker that was placed on top of a fermenter; this approach was sometimes used in the 19th C). A dazzlingly pure, fresh and soaring nose features notes of essence of red cherry, currant, spice and soft floral scents. While the medium weight flavors do not have the same size and power of the Clos des Chênes, they are notably finer with a sleek muscularity and terrific length on the highly refreshing and energetic finish. This is really lovely stuff and a complete knock-out." 04/18

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2016 Volnay Clos du Château des Ducs 1er Cru is more transparent and displays less fruit intensity than its peers, although I would prefer more presence for a Volnay at this early stage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin and very good acidity. Pure and refined with tart red fruit on the finish just seem so vivacious and full of joie-de-vivre. More approachable than its peers, perhaps this is a case of a Volnay demonstrating that sometimes less can be more. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting in Burgundy. (Drink between 2020-2040)" 10/19

97 Points, Jasper Morris, InsideBurgundy: "Glowing mid purple. A beautifully dense ripe red cherry and fine raspberry nose. This has energy and intensity beyond the norm. It makes an amazingly suave, complete mouthful, the fruit dancing across the palate: frankly this is quite glorious and the aftertaste is by some way the most persistent. Quite marvellous." 10/17

94 Points, William Kelley, Decanter: "The Clos du Château des Ducs was destemmed by hand this year, and Frédéric Lafarge is rightly very happy with the result. A deep bouquet of plum, raw cocoa, rich forest floor and peony is followed by a full-bodied, deep wine with impressive amplitude and dimension. The tannins here are incredibly refined, and it is tempting to think that the gentle destemming contributed to their quality, even though this wine is generally the most immediately accessible, polished and precocious premier cru in the Lafarge cellar. (Drink between 2026-2040)" 10/17