The 2017 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a very well-defined bouquet with pressed rose petals and oyster shell infusing the vivacious red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a tart entry, quite poised and focused. The precise, slightly bony finish needs a little more flesh to develop. Very fine.

The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes offers up aromas of plummy fruit, candied peel and smoky grilled meats, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny palate that's pure and melting this year, concluding with a stony finish. It's a pretty middle-weight Clos des Chênes that will drink well in its comparative youth.

Barrel sample and not yet racked. Sweet dark fruit and just a touch smoky. Super-juicy, tart/tangy but ripe red fruit. Silky sweet and fragrant. Bags of fruit and persistent even with its light structure. (JH)