Xavier Monnot Volnay 1er Cru - Clos des Chênes 2019 | 750 ml.

WE93 Wine Enthusiast 12/1/2021

"Hints of smoky lapsang souchong tea leaves and anise accent ripe yet zesty blackberry and cassis in this full-bodied, supple red. It’s a rich, rounded Pinot Noir held upright by zesty darts of acidity and finishing in pools of soft, silky tannins. While a bit nervous in youth it should hit peak from 2024 through 2030 and hold further. (Anna Lee C. Iijima)" (93 pts.)

VN90+ Vinous Dec 2020

"The 2019 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet featuring overt floral notes of rose petal and pressed irises. There is a subtle confit element that becomes apparent with aeration. The palate is plush and fleshy on the entry, and there is a fine bead of acidity to keep it balanced. A polished Clos des Chênes with a little spice on the finish. It will require 3–4 years in bottle, like the Beaune Toussaints, but it has the substance to age well for another 12–15 years, possibly more. (Neal Martin)" (90–92 pts.)

WS93 Wine & Spirits 10/21

"Xavier Monnot farms two acres in Clos des Chênes, one acre planted in 1936, the other in 1978. Those old vines produced a dark and meaty Volnay in 2019, perfumed up front, then calming to red cherry succulence in a firm finish. The wine seems to harness the heat of the vintage and direct it into potential energy, well worth following over the next five to ten years." (93 pts.)