2017 VOLNAY 1ER CRU LES FREMIETS COMTE ARMAND - 6x75cl

Tasting Notes

• 

  Goedhuis, November 2018

  The vineyard lies at the Pommard end of the village and shares some of its neighbour’s iron-rich soils. It is always the first parcel to be picked, and the small volume requires gentle handling in the winery. A regime of light pump-overs and reduced pigéage have kept the wine soft and supple, with no over-extraction of tannins. A tiny touch of whole bunch fruit lifts an already aromatic style of wine. It has a fleshy, full, satisfying creamy weight with vibrant freshness. 25% new oak rounds off an appetising style of Volnay premier cru.

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  Neal Martin, January 2019,
  Score: 91-93

  The 2017 Volnay Les Frémiets 1er Cru comes from a single parcel including a plot of 92-year-old vines that was on the cusp of being pulled up after the 2016 frost. It has a lovely, expressive, transparent bouquet of brambly red fruit, sous-bois and rose petal scents. The elegant, pure palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and raspberry and red plum notes, the 8% whole bunches lending a little je ne sais quoi toward the precise finish. Beautiful. 2020 - 2035

• 

  Burghound, April 2020,
  Score: 91

  This is deftly wooded with an appealingly fresh nose that consists mostly of various red berry and herbal tea elements along with a pretty spice whiff. The lighter weight (though not dilute) flavors possess a lilting mouthfeel while delivering sneaky good length on the firm, youthfully austere and balanced finish. This very classy effort is lighter than it usually is, but the balance saves the overall sense of quality. Outstanding. Drink 2025+

• 

  Burghound, April 2019,
  Score: 89-91

  This is also deftly wooded with an appealingly fresh nose that consists mostly of various red berry elements along with a pretty spice whiff. The lighter weight (though not dilute) flavors possess a lilting mouth feel while delivering sneaky good length on the firm, youthfully austere and balanced finish. This is lighter than it usually is but the balance saves the overall sense of quality. Drink 2027+

• 

  Decanter, November 2018,
  Score: 93

  Always picked first at Comte Armand, this hails from two parcels on white soils and has produced quite a dense, serious Volnay in 2017, despite the comparatively high yields of close to 50hl/ha. It's sappy and firm, with 25% new wood and a fresh, tangy finish. Drink 2023-2029

• 

  Jancis Robinson, January 2019,
  Score: 17

  More mineral and restrained than the village Volnay. Really very beguiling with its combination of ripeness and freshness. Very satisfying. Nice mineral note on the end. Drink 2023-2032

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Producer

Comte Armand

Clos des Épeneaux is Pommard’s most celebrated climat. The 5.23 hectare monopole has been in the Comte Armand family since 1828. Paul Zinetti took over from Benjamin Leroux as régisseur in 2014, and is rising to every challenge at this small, characterful domaine. They also have small holdings in Volnay and Auxey Duresses and, while these wines have the distinctive character of quintessential Côte de Beaune, they are also some of the most sophisticated, nuanced expressions you might taste across these villages. An understated use of new oak matches the textured fruit, and gentle handling in combination with intuitive biodynamic practices afford these wines both strength and delicacy. The domaine has begun to noticeably outpace its neighbours and redefine how the finest terroir of Pommard is capable of not only power but elegance as well.