2016 Volnay Fremiets
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Volnay Les Fremiets 1er Cru is showing quite a lot of reduction on the nose although I find that there is sufficient fruit underneath. The palate is slightly coarse on the entry. The oak sings from a different hymn sheet to the fruit so that the finish lacks focus and harmony. The jury is out on this wine and I will revisit it at another time. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting in Burgundy.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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(50% vendange entier ; entirely from the upper part of the vineyard as the lower section was frosted): Bright, dark red. Slightly reduced nose shows the dark fruit side of Volnay along with a flinty quality. Densely packed and decidedly ripe (13.6% alcohol!), with redcurrant and dark cherry fruit flavors complicated by a note of black olive and subtle earth tones. Finishes with very ripe, chewy tannins and excellent length and grip. Manages to retain an element of Volnay suavity.
The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Fremiets, 50% whole bunch fruit, came from the middle sector of the vineyard that was not affected by frost. It was very tight and laconic on the nose, did not really articulate the voluptuous and sensuality that I look for in a Volnay. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, moderate weight in the mouth, but missing a little character and fleshiness toward the square-jawed finish. More personality please.