Côte de Beaune 2018

A monopole of the Lafarge family - the 0.57 hectares are entirely under their ownership, produced as an individual wine since 1985. It’s hand destemmed, taking 35 hours for just 3000 bottles. This is Grand Cru in all but name. Noble, fresh, long, voluminous, complex, stunning. There’s not much more to say.

Made from a selection at the time of harvest, this treads the line between village and premier cru. It comes from four different terroirs at the heart of the village, with more deeper, darker fruit than the normal Volnay. The plethora of limestone in this part of the village gives incredible purity and energy. One for the ages.

This comes from 84 year old vines of the preferred ‘raisins dorés’ clone of aligoté and is picked at the end of September. This has really lovely peach and ripe apple notes, and impressive length.

From six parcels on both sides of the village, this has a beautiful nose, with loads of balance and elegant fruit. There’s an energy and a finesse here. What Volnay is all about.

Produced in every vintage since the foundation of the domaine, this 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, produced from co-planted vines, is one of Burgundy’s bargains. This is wonderfully pure and charming, with energy, persistence, red fruit. It’s saline and mouthwatering; a joyful wine.

Owned by the Lafarge family since 2005, Les Mitans is situated in the middle of the slope, and it’s probably from this that it takes its name. Floral and fragrant, with beautiful fruit purity, and such a sense of tension and precision. A gorgeous Volnay.

The first vineyard owned by the Lafarge family, and arguably their most famous wine. Serious and intense, with time in the glass comes swirling notes of rose petal and generous, dark fruit. There’s incredible texture and minerality, and the finish goes on an age.