Champans Volnay 1er Cru Pinot Noir

Deep red with ruby highlights, but Guillaume d'Angerville noted that this premier cru is typically softly extracted and light in color. Compelling, vibrant aromas of blueberry pastille, violet, licorice and spicecake. Incredibly primary and sweet, with its density leavened by harmonious acidity. Pliant dark berry flavors are complicated by hints of flowers and spices. This very pure wine has to be one of the most youthful 1999s I tasted this winter. Finishes with utterly suave tannins and outstanding length. This infant is just beginning to open and should enjoy a long plateau of maturity. D'Angerville described 1999 as "a magical vintage," noting that the yield here was at least 40 hectoliters per hectare. His father Jacques actually held back 4,000 bottles of wine in '99 but Guillaume has released most of these bottles by now to loyal clients of the domain. (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, March 2018)

Drinking great although I could have waited a few more years!

Lively wine with some good tension!

Rated it

Really concentrated and structured for Volnay. Toasted fruit with balanced chalky minerality. Tannins still sharp but the trajectory is promising.

Complex light on oak. Slightly fruity.

Not my style. Bright and light.

Volnay makes me happy, beautiful wine

Benchmark Burgundy. Reminds me of days gone by with old friends, good food, and much storytelling.

Outstanding!