2009 Volnay Les Taillepieds 1er Cru

The 2009 Volnay Taillepieds is a model of grace. Subtle hints of pipe tobacco, herbs, crushed flowers and licorice add complexity to the fruit in this layered, beautifully nuanced Volnay. There is an inner tension in the Taillepieds that propels it to the saline, mineral-infused finish.

The 2009 Volnay Taillepieds is a model of grace. Subtle hints of pipe tobacco, herbs, crushed flowers and licorice add complexity to the fruit in this layered, beautifully nuanced Volnay. There is an inner tension in the Taillepieds that propels it to the saline, mineral-infused finish. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. I tasted the 2009s from D’Angerville twice recently, once at the winery in December 2011 and a second time in my office in New York. The Volnay, Volnay 1er and Volnay Champans were all less impressive than the first time I tasted those wines, just after botting. Time will tell if the wines are going through a closed phase today, or if I overrated them the first time around. Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa CA; tel. (707) 299-2600

Good medium red. Deep, almost roasted aromas of strawberry, mocha and earth. Plush and sweet in the mouth if a bit less expressive today than the Fremiet. A candied raspberry flavor is nicely complemented by mocha and spices and given definition by underlying minerality. Deceptively tastable today owing to its almost confectionery sweetness, but this wine has the acidity and firm, building tannins to reward mid-term cellaring.