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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 91.6 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 35 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by acyso on 3/8/2024 & rated 93 points: Heater week; 3/8/2024-3/17/2024 (Chicago, IL): Another surprisingly accessible 1996 that isn't overloaded by acid structure. Elegant and refined, with that spicy Volnay perfume and red fruit on the nose. Light and crystalline and showing younger and fresher than the Chênes alongside. For a structural producer and vintage, this really is drinking very nicely now. (872 views) | | | Tasted by jhngo on 4/7/2020 & rated 92 points: Fresh bright like unripened cherries. A little rustic touch and grippy finish. (1771 views) | | | Tasted by cfrances33 on 7/14/2019 & rated 94 points: Served in a Grassl Cru. Fruit / 1018b hPa
Color is a dark cherry leading a ruby and bricking rim. Nose takes some time to get rolling - but once it does, it's lovely. Ripe cherry, strawberry compote, cranberry, spice, and sous bois. The nose builds in intensity, shifting between the spice and dark fruit, and bright red fruit. The palate is more driven from the get go. Strawberry compote, ripe raspberry, dried cherry. Minerality still shows itself bolstered by the acidity with a bit of limestone angularity. Lots of sous bois and even some brown spice. Tannins are still fairly present, but rather fine. The '96 acidity shows prominently, but is definitely to my taste, providing energy to a lot of the secondary flavors going on. I'd say this was probably at the end of its peak, but right in the zone of enjoyment for my tastes right now. A real privilege to drink - delicious and giving in all the aspects I expected from it. Just lovely. (1921 views) | | | Tasted by acyso on 7/14/2019 & rated 90 points: Burgundies for Bastille Day (Chicago, IL): I think others today liked this more than I did. I've never enjoyed the 1996 vintage too much, as I think there's a hard acid edge to them on the palate, and this wine shows it too. The nose was initially quite mute, but it did develop with more air, showing some red fruit, earthiness, and a hint of spice. The palate unfortunately isn't as integrated here though -- there are many of the elements I love here, but the acidity of the vintage pokes out a bit, giving this a slightly prickly texture. (2690 views) | | | Tasted by dcwino on 4/26/2019 & rated 93 points: 1996 Burgundy Retrospective - The First Session (Clarity - Vienna, Virginia): Very youthful nose displaying ripe red fruit with a hint of black, strawberry and rhubarb tart, cranberry sauce, tar, charred steak, dark spices and earth. Excellent concentration, nicely layered slight dry red fruit, round yet slightly masculine due to coarse tannings, bright acidity, strong earthy mineral and a medium to long concentrated red fruit driven finish. Still not showing much of sous bois. There is enough fruit to improve further. I am not a big fan of the earthy note in red Burgundy and my rating reflects my preference. Nevertheless, my wine of the flight. (2620 views) | | | Tasted by rossi.wine on 2/19/2019 & rated 92 points: Tasted next to 2010 Clos du Château des Ducs and 1996 Clos des Chênes. More vibrant and also a bit more generous than the Chênes. Mineral, notes of leather, spices, dark and red berry fruit, flowers on the nose. On the palate fresh and bright, well integrated but still quite powerful tannins. Very long. 91-93 (2275 views) | | | Tasted by nskelsey on 12/18/2018 & rated 93 points: What a fabulous wine this is. I've never had a Ducs before as most reviews rate it just a tiny bit below the Chenes and Caillerets that I am much more familiar with; mind you that is a very high bar indeed. In a nutshell though this is the best Lafarge I've ever had. Medium to dark ruby in colour the nose is wonderfully seductive and perfumed at the red cherry end of the spectrum with hints of rose, violet and plum swirling around underneath; a real beauty. On the palate it is medium to full bodied with a perfect balance of power, elegance, concentration and wonderful complexity. The tannins are supple and sweet and the finish is long. Many reviews predicted that this would be at it's peak around 2006/7, but this example is a point now with no hint of fading any time soon. I suspect a good number of bottles have been drunk way too soon so if you have any in your cellar on this showing there is no hurry whatsoever to drink up. What a memorable bottle of wine and I only had the one; damn! Estimated maturity: Now-2025+ (1505 views) | | | Tasted by Burgundy Al on 3/2/2018 & rated 91 points: Some Wine Tasted at the Zachys La Paulée Auction (Mourad - San Francisco CA): Small glass, brief note. Meaty black and red berry start-to-finish with subtle spice and floral hints. Long finish, still backward, probably upside from here? (2049 views) | | | Tasted by Nanda on 3/2/2018 & rated 93 points: La Paulée Zachy's Auction (Mourad - SF, CA): Fairly intense mature black and red cherry, with lots of spice and florals. Good freshness and lift across the palate. Right in the middle of its prime drinking window. (1919 views) | | | Tasted by jmbladen on 11/4/2017 & rated 91 points: Amazed this made it to this age. A bit over the hill. Nice none the less. (1587 views) | | | Tasted by MAA65 on 4/15/2017 & rated 96 points: amazing (2068 views) | | | Tasted by Paul S on 5/28/2016 & rated 93 points: Late Night Drinks at Kelvin's (Kelvin and Joyce's Place, Bishan): Better than the last bottle, this came across as really fine, polished Volnay. The nose was a lovely melange of ripe red cherries and strawberries with fragrant florals, sweet spice and drifts of earth and herb. Nice. The palate still had a little chew of fine but firm tannins and a nice burst of juicy, almost citrus 1996 acidity framing clean, clear flavours of cherries and red berries. A twist of herb and spice then lingered along with a nice seam of minerality into a long finish. Very nice indeed and starting to show well now, although I do feel that this will be even better in a couple of years' time. (3009 views) | | | Tasted by AtoZ on 3/10/2016: One of the wines of the night. Kept coming in and out in the glass. (2119 views) | | | Tasted by Charlie Carnes on 4/8/2015 & rated 94 points: This beautiful wine was shared by our friend Bennett. For a Lafarge it was a little dark, but it was still pretty deep clear dark cherry red. It has lovely secondary and tertiary notes of dried cherries, dried leaves, aromatic forest scents, all just getting to autumnal. It is sweet and full on the entry, but light and nimble in the mouth and nearly voluptuous on the swallow even with a hint of that '96 drying finish. Just delicious and it has plenty of time left. (2899 views) | | | Tasted by bill00 on 4/5/2015 & rated 90 points: Slightly monolithic nose of dried red and black fruits. Still a good amount of structure in the mouth. No longer youthful, but not quite into a secondary stage either, I may have caught this bottle in a somewhat awkward stage of its development. Perhaps will get better with more time. (2628 views) | | | Tasted by jkuanl on 4/21/2014 & rated 91 points: Deep ruby, this was still rather primary, showing a melange of black and red fruits and floral tones. This showed the leanness and acidity of the vintage but balanced with good concentration. Still tannic and not at its peak, score should improve in the future. (2779 views) | | | Tasted by johnh1001 on 3/30/2014 & rated 90 points: Loads of earth, black fruit and minerals on the nose. Touch of red fruit. Taught with emphasis on earth and mushrooms. Lean and somewhat tannic though classic interplay with the fruit. Medium finish. (2433 views) | | | Tasted by Burgundy Al on 9/26/2013 & rated 92 points: Open and decanted approx one hour before serving. Still reticent to start, fruit, spice and earth hints emerged after another hour+ of air. Lots of black cherry flavors, background spice, slightly backward to start, with lots of acidity and elegant tannins. Still needs more cellar time to reach its peak. (3365 views) | | | Tasted by SimonG on 6/1/2013 & rated 93 points: Volnay @ The Ledbury (The Ledbury, London): Deeper and a little denser on the nose cf the Chenes. Lovely red fruit. Brighter and slightly higher acidity than the Chenes. More focused. ***(*) (3107 views) | | | Tasted by rosesandthorns on 10/17/2012 & rated 91 points: Young still, tart cherries, mushroomy earthy and thyme, savory lifted by a ethereal floral cloud. Needs time in the bottle. (3270 views) | | | Tasted by PhDP on 10/9/2012: Domaine Michel Lafarge (groupe du mardi, chez Vincent Lagneaux): note moyenne du groupe: 16,8/20
nez ouvert, pas parfaitement précis
bouche très équilibrée, avec un léger déficit de personnalité
16/20 (3225 views) | | | Tasted by St Paul on 12/3/2011 & rated 91 points: Lovely mouthful of raspberry, violet and tender flavours. Almost get a hint of some green fruit but decide it to be the purity and elegance. This is a wine with finesse and harmonious tannins at this age. Maybe not that long but I enjoy the fact that it is very easy drinking and fresh. I wish I had some more bottles. (3100 views) | | | Tasted by DWG on 10/11/2011 & rated 90 points: Still a very young wine. Lots of ripe fruit on palate. Tannins are still prominent but mature. Good complexity. Still feels very young and would suggest waiting on this wine for at least a few more years. (2806 views) | | | Tasted by bg2167 on 9/25/2011 & rated 93 points: '96 acidity was present but didn't bother me. Tons of iron, blood, earth. (2861 views) | | | Tasted by fdaner on 7/10/2011 & rated 92 points: Took to Stella's in New Orleans. Restaurant actually has the wine on their menu.Decanted about 30 minutes and then consumed over the next 90 mim. Dark deep red in color. Heavy meaty iron nose initially that followed on the palate with tart cherry. At the 1 hour mark the wine really blossomed. Very fragent with both the nose and palate showing deep tart cherry and rhubarb with the iron now framing the fruit. Tannins were silky and fine . At the 2 hour mark the fruit continues to shine and the tannins literally covered your teeth and lips. Still fine but indicating several more years are needed. A wonderful wine to experience now but really want to see where this is in 5 years or so. (2594 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By John Gilman
View From the Cellar, Sep/Oct 2018, Issue #77, Another Look At the 1996 Burgundy Vintage- Time Heals Many Wounds.
(Volnay “Clos du Château des Ducs”- Domaine Michel Lafarge) Login and sign up and see review text. | By John Gilman
View From the Cellar, Sep/Oct 2011, Issue #35, The 1996 Red Burgundy Vintage- Fifteen Years on the Road To Great Things?
(Volnay “Clos du Château des Ducs”- Domaine Michel Lafarge) Login and sign up and see review text. | By John Gilman
View From the Cellar, Jan/Feb 2010, Issue #25, Domaine Michel Lafarge’s Superb Volnay “Clos du Château des Ducs”
(Volnay “Clos du Château des Ducs”- Domaine Michel Lafarge) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Allen Meadows
Burghound (8/6/1998)
(Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay Clos du Château des Ducs 1er Cru Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Stephen Tanzer
Vinous, March/April 1998, IWC Issue #77
(Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay Clos du Chateau des Ducs) Subscribe to see review text. | By Allen Meadows
Burghound
(Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay "Clos du Château des Ducs" 1er Cru Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Allen Meadows
Burghound
(Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay "Clos du Château des Ducs" 1er Cru Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Allen Meadows
Burghound
(Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay "Clos du Château des Ducs" 1er Cru Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Allen Meadows
Burghound
(Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay "Clos du Château des Ducs" 1er Cru Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Allen Meadows
Burghound
(Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay "Clos du Château des Ducs" 1er Cru Red) Subscribe to see review text. |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of View From the Cellar and Burghound and Vinous. (manage subscription channels) |
| Domaine Michel Lafarge Producer websitePinot Noir Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.
Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.
Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.
The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.
Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.
In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.
With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.
Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.France Vins de France (Office National Interprofessionnel des Vins ) | Pages Vins, Directory of French Winegrowers | French Wine (Wikipedia)
Wine Scholar Guild vintage ratings
2018 vintage: "marked by a wet spring, a superb summer and a good harvest"
2019 vintage reports
2021: "From a general standpoint, whether for white, rosé or red wines, 2021 is a year marked by quality in the Rhône Valley Vineyards. Structured, elegant, fresh and fruity will be the main keywords for this new vintage."
2022 harvest: idealwine.info | wine-searcher.comBurgundy Les vins de Bourgogne (Bureau interprofessionnel des vins de Bourgogne) (and in English)
Burgundy - The province of eastern France, famous for its red wines produced from Pinot Noir and its whites produced from Chardonnay. (Small of amounts of Gamay and Aligoté are still grown, although these have to be labeled differently.) The most famous part of the region is known as the Cote d'Or (the Golden Slope). It is divided into the Cote de Beaune, south of the town of Beaune (famous principally for its whites), and the Cote de Nuits, North of Beaune (home of the most famous reds). In addition, the Cote Chalonnaise and the Maconnais are important wine growing regions, although historically a clear level (or more) below the Cote d'Or. Also included by some are the regions of Chablis and Auxerrois, farther north.
Burgundy Report | Les Grands Jours de Bourgogne - na stejné téma od Heleny Baker
# 2013 Vintage Notes:
* "2013 is a vintage that 20 years ago would have been a disaster." - Will Lyons
* "low yields and highly variable reds, much better whites." - Bill Nanson
* "Virtually all wines were chaptalised, with a bit of sugar added before fermentation to increase the final alcohol level." - Jancis Robinson
# 2014 Vintage Notes:
"We have not had such splendid harvest weather for many years. This will ensure high quality (fragrant, classy and succulent are words already being used) across the board, up and down the hierarchy and well as consistently from south to north geographically apart from those vineyards ravaged by the hail at the end of June." - Clive Coates
# 2015 Vintage Notes:
"Low yields and warm weather allowed for ample ripeness, small berries and an early harvest. Quality is looking extremely fine, with some people whispering comparisons with the outstanding 2005 vintage. Acid levels in individual wines may be crucial." - Jancis Robinson
# 2017 Vintage Notes:
"Chablis suffered greatly from frost in 2017, resulting in very reduced volumes. As ever, the irony seems to be that what remains is very good quality, as it is in the Côte d’Or. Cooler nights across the region have resulted in higher-than-usual acidity, with good conditions throughout the harvest season allowing for ripe, healthy fruit." - Jancis Robinson
# 2018 Vintage Notes:
"The most successful region for red Burgundy in 2018 was the Côte de Beaune. The weather was ideal in this area, with just enough sunlight and rain to produce perfectly balanced wines naturally." - Vinfolio
Côte de Beaune
Côte de Beaune (Bureau interprofessionnel des vins de Bourgogne)
Vineyard maps on weinlagen.infoVolnay 1er Cru Vineyard maps on weinlagen.info |
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