2005 Volnay Champans
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Volnay Champans appears to betray its complete reliance on whole clusters both in its floral aromas and in spicy and resinous notes that follow on the palate. A ripe but tart cherry-rhubarb fruit melange tinged by vanilla cream is also omnipresent, and there are aromatic hints of the mushrooms so typical for this site. Tannic, layered and concentrated like the Mitan, this however displays an emerging flattering creaminess of texture and an evocative clarity of finish fruit and spice which is as yet lacking from that rather seized-up wine. Various importers, including Beaune Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 559 1040. Also, a Thomas Calder Selection, Paris; fax 011-33-1-46-45-15-29
Critic scores
Average Score
David Schildknecht, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(25% new oak; 100% whole clusters) Good medium red. Spicy red berries, minerals and herbs on the nose, along with a faint lactic quality. Supple on entry, then minerally and pungent in the middle, showing much more energy and tannic structure than the Brouillards. The strong mineral quality carries through on the persistent finish, where the firm tannins are quite fine.
The 2005 Volnay Champans appears to betray its complete reliance on whole clusters both in its floral aromas and in spicy and resinous notes that follow on the palate. A ripe but tart cherry-rhubarb fruit melange tinged by vanilla cream is also omnipresent, and there are aromatic hints of the mushrooms so typical for this site. Tannic, layered and concentrated like the Mitan, this however displays an emerging flattering creaminess of texture and an evocative clarity of finish fruit and spice which is as yet lacking from that rather seized-up wine. Jun 2007, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Volnay’s Domaine de Montille is one of the most historic in the Côte d’Or. Founded in 1730, the property remains family-owned and run, with Etienne de Montille – the ninth generation – at the helm today.