A pure and stylish bouqet of cherry, violets, raw cocoa and blood orange lead into a concentrated, sappy palate with lovely transparency and energy. A generous core of fruit enrobes fine tannins. Terrific stuff.

The 2015 Volnay "Vendanges Sélectionées" comes from terroir that Frédéric deems not premier cru, but can create what he sees as a "vin de garde"—a wine for ageing. The nose is actually more backward than the village cru at the moment and demanded quite a bit of coaxing from the glass. The palate is where the difference lies, as there is a touch more tension and energy here, especially on the tart red cherry and strawberry finish that lingers long in the mouth. It needs to knit together by the time of bottling, but there is certainly substance and density to this Volnay that should achieve its raison d'être.

Bright medium red. Riper and more complex than the regular village Volnay, with its cherry element complicated by wild herbs and spices on the nose and palate. Very rich and deep for village wine but boasts excellent lift and finishes with a firm tannic spine. Really excites the taste buds on the rising aftertaste.