Lafarge Volnay Vendanges Sélectionnées 2017

91-93 points Fine Wine Review: “There’s sap to the body of this wine to go with the strawberry and cassis fruit, length, and depth. This is a considerable step up from the regular village wine and a good bridge to the premiers crus (indeed, what many Volnay producers would be happy to produce from their own premiers crus). (1/19/19)”

92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): “The 2017 Volnay “Vendanges Selectionées” is even a touch deeper and sappier than the straight villages bottling, delivering fine aromatics of plums, black cherries, raw cocoa, gamebird, woodsmoke and violets. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and quite refined in personality, with a bit of reserve to the structure, a sappy core, lovely transparency and a long, ripely tannic and very promising finish. Premier cru quality without a doubt in 2017. 2025-2065. (Nov/Dec 2018)”

90-92 points Jasper Morris, MW: “These vineyards are at the heart of the appellation, just below the 1ers Crus. A little deeper in colour and much denser on the nose, albeit without the same immediate charm – yet. The density at the back is very impressive and Volnay charm returns, along with more acidity and a touch more tannin. Very persistent indeed. Tasted: November 2018.”

90-92 points Neal Martin (Vinous): “The 2017 Volnay Vendange Sélectionée comes from vines that lie just below the line of Premier Crus. It has a bright bouquet with wild strawberry, red cherries and a faint, almost ash-like scent. It is very well defined. The palate is quite fleshy and rounded on the entry, finely judged in terms of acidity, with a slightly “crunchiness” to the texture on the finish, just a dab of white pepper on the aftertaste. Probably one of the most overlooked of Lafarge’s Volnays – I suggest you don’t. Drink: 2021-2038. (Jan 2019)”