2016 Volnay Les Angles
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Volnay Les Angles 1er Cru comes across a little confit-like on the nose, suggesting that it might have been picked a day or two too late. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, quite bold and assertive in style with a slightly monotone finish that never kicks on. I wonder if this Volnay is simply undergoing an awkward stage? Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting in Burgundy.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(13.3% alcohol): Dark, bright ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of black cherry, blackberry and licorice are lifted by a floral topnote and a subtle minty element. At once ripe and juicy in the mouth, with its very pure currant, licorice and saline soil flavors accented by a spicy element. Offers a lovely touch of sweetness, then finishes intense and classically dry, with a repeating minty nuance. Boillot noted that this wine was elegant from the outset, adding that he used to pick this vineyard too late and that pHs mounted as the berries lost their vigor. Two-thirds of these vines are 30 years old and the other third 60.
The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Les Angles was picked on 19 September at 13.5° natural alcohol because it is such a precocious vineyard. Also, this was not affected by the frost so there is a normal yield. It has a refined and elegant bouquet with wild strawberry and maraschino scents, the oak here nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with cranberry and raspberry preserve, spicier than the Grands Poisots with very fine tannins and impressive focus on the finish. Excellent.