Clos de la Barre Monopole Volnay 1er Cru Pinot Noir

2006 vintage.

Nose has cherry & raspberry cordial notes (touch of alcohol), fresh violets, dried earth and mild oak toast.

Palate has lightly tannic cherry, blackberry, ripe black currant, medium barrel toast and fall leaves.

A solid weeknight bottle, decanted for about 90 minutes, but truth be told this wine could stand to wait another couple years in anticipation of concentration on the palate.

A little volatile, but fruit is rich, and wine will continue drinking well.

2009

At a good developmental stage, though the new oak is still a significant element.

Started tight but opened nicely. Drink now-7 years

2023/6. This still has room to come together but has a nice mix of acid / tannin structure and acidity. Some pretty floral aromas are lurking too.

Slowly coming around to Pinots. Very smooth and drinkable. Needed time and would profit from a longer bottle time. In saying that there was already much to enjoy here.

It opens up after 5 hours. But still after 14 year it should show well. It does not. May be it needs more time. Slightly oxidized very harsh tannins. Cherry 🍒 lime and rocks. A disappointment.

2006 vintage. In a really great spot. Black raspberry, tart cherry, lingonberry, lots of violets, lots of black tea, sandalwood, dark rocks. Super fresh and lots of complexity. Ür-Volnay.