de Montille, Volnay Champans other_regions

de Montille, Volnay Champans other_regions(50% whole clusters). A much earthier mix of red and dark currant, violet and discreet herbal tea nuances slides into the supple lighter weight flavors that are a bit more elegant than usual, all wrapped in a nicely complex and persistent finish. This is certainly good but 2017 is not a great vintage for this wine. (89 92) 2025+

3% Cabernet Franc makes up the rest of the blend

but with good balancing acidity

seamlessly integrating oak

painfully young Cristal that will require considerable patience

(raised for 24 months in American oak casks)

Strong wood and menthol characters bury the fruit at present

mainly thanks to the larger contribution of Sémillon at one-third of the blend

powerful finish

Oak is a touch more evident than in most years because the fruit is not at full ripeness

This should age very well

There is ample structure here as well though it’s largely buffered by all of the mid-palate extract and I particularly like the depth

-- Ian D'Agata