Better known for white Burgundy, Olivier Leflaive also makes a premier cru Volnay that’s well worth knowing. Clos des Angles is a 1er Cru on the upper slope of Volnay, close to Pommard. Its southeast-facing vines average 40 years old, rooted in shallow brown limestone. That gives the wine a little more depth and frame than typical Volnay, without losing its finesse. Grapes are hand-picked, half kept as whole berries, and fermented for three weeks in open vats. The wine then ages 16 months, mostly in barrel with 28% new oak. The sunny 2020 vintage brings crunchy red cherry and raspberry, a touch of spice, and a refined, velvety texture with a long, elegant finish. Drink now through 2032 with roast duck, game, coq au vin or a good cheese board.
91 Points
"The 2020 Volnay Clos des Angles 1er Cru initially comes across as a
little unfocused on the nose, though it improves with light orange rind
and black cherry scents. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black
fruit, lightly spiced, and grippy tannins. A touch of brine and sea salt
appears toward the Pommard-like finish, requiring time to absorb the
generous layering of new oak. Nicely focused and with just the right
level of bitterness, this should age well. Tasted blind at the Burgfest
tasting."
Better known for white Burgundy, Olivier Leflaive also makes a premier cru Volnay that’s well worth knowing. Clos des Angles is a 1er Cru on the upper slope of Volnay, close to Pommard. Its southeast-facing vines average 40 years old, rooted in shallow brown limestone. That gives the wine a little more depth and frame than typical Volnay, without losing its finesse. Grapes are hand-picked, half kept as whole berries, and fermented for three weeks in open vats. The wine then ages 16 months, mostly in barrel with 28% new oak. The sunny 2020 vintage brings crunchy red cherry and raspberry, a touch of spice, and a refined, velvety texture with a long, elegant finish. Drink now through 2032 with roast duck, game, coq au vin or a good cheese board.
91 Points
"The 2020 Volnay Clos des Angles 1er Cru initially comes across as a
little unfocused on the nose, though it improves with light orange rind
and black cherry scents. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black
fruit, lightly spiced, and grippy tannins. A touch of brine and sea salt
appears toward the Pommard-like finish, requiring time to absorb the
generous layering of new oak. Nicely focused and with just the right
level of bitterness, this should age well. Tasted blind at the Burgfest
tasting."
