Bright medium red; more saturated than the Les Aussy. Musky, slightly reduced aromas of redcurrant, boysenberry and violet. Fine-grained and classically dry but not at all austere, conveying considerable early complexity to its flavors of purple fruits and subtle saline minerality. Finishes quite refined, with a serious dusting of smooth tannins and lingering notes of black raspberry and menthol. Lovely potential here. This shows a relaxed quality in the way of so many 2016s that escaped the frost.

The 2016 Volnay Taillepieds 1er Cru has a crisp raspberry and cranberry scented bouquet, nicely integrated oak, subtle floral aromas evolving with aeration. Delightful. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly confit-like opening, crisp acidity with a strict, bitter-edged red fruit finish that just needs to muster more finesse and persistence. Not bad and better than their Clos des Chênes, but could be better. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting in Burgundy.