2018 Volnay, En Champans, 1er Cru, Domaine de Montille, Burgundy

There was just room for 50% whole cluster in the fermenting vats. This has a vivid deep dark colour and significant class on the bounding, abundantly fruited nose. There is some sweetness of oak behind, and a lovely harmonious finish.

The 2018 Volnay Les Champans 1er Cru includes 50% whole cluster and has a much more floral bouquet than the Mitans, with wilted rose petal percolating through the red fruit. The well-balanced palate is tannic on the entry. The brisk, terse finish indicates that it is in for the long haul. I like the salinity here. This is a rather uncompromising but satisfying/challenging Volnay.

Drink 2022 - 2042

En Champans is on a steep slope and combines three different soil types: clay, limestone and sand. This is quite a firm, grippy, savoury style of Volnay with lots of sap and grip, some appealing floral scents, red cherry and bramble fruit and a combination of 50% whole bunches and 30% new wood.

Drink 2026 - 2034