Size: 0.90 ha (2.22 ac)
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vine Age: Planted 1951-1971
Terroir: Shallow, red clay soils on limestone. Located at the intersection of the 4 premier cru vineyards of Volnay: Clos des Chênes, Les Caillerets, Taille Pieds, and En Champans. Moderate slope facing southeast.
Viticulture: Certified organic (Ecocert) and biodynamic (Demeter)
Vinification: 100% de-stemmed, pneumatic pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation, light settling. Aged for 18 months, unfiltered.
Becky Wasserman.com
"A royal purple colour. The fruit intensity on the nose outstrips all the others. What a perfect pitch of ripeness! I keep going back to smell it again. Waves of fruit wash over the palate, raspberry, a few perfectly ripe cherries, superbly nuanced as well as the intensity. Finally, a finish in perfect harmony. Drink from 2035." Jasper Morris 94-97p
"Lafarge has a large parcel of nearly a hectare in the Clos des Chênes; it always makes an exceptional wine. Frédéric notes, ' In 2022, the terroirs are really apparent, which is not always the case in hot years.' He coaxes a wine of great richness from this special plot. The dark mulberry and cassis fruit is scented with exotic spices and a savoury, gamey note. The structure is firmly tannic but not astringent, and the finish goes on interminably. Age this ideally for at least five years before opening, and it will repay you with decades of pleasure." Decanter 95p
"Note: from 45+ year old vines that sit just above Champans. This is also quite spicy with its aromas of purple fruit, wet stone, newly turned earth and a floral top note. There is a completely different mouthfeel to the voluminous, powerful and serious larger-bodied soil-tinged flavors that also flash plenty of minerality on the built-to-age and gorgeously long finish. This is brawny, but brawny in a Volnaysien way, which is to say more gymnast than body builder!*Burghound Sweet Spot Outstanding!*" Burghound 93-95p
