2021 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Volnay-Santenots du Milieu Premier Cru [TA95][V93-95][D94][WA92-94][BH90-92][JM91]

Producer: Domaine des Comtes Lafon 
Region: Volnay, Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France 
Varietal: Pinot Noir  
Year: 2021 

Tim Atkin, 95 Points 

"This wine comes from a large holding (3.8 ha) that comprises almost half of the entire Premier Cru. It is planted with a mix of old (1944) and newer vines (1963, 1965, 1978). The wine jumps out of the glass with a pronounced spiciness, blueberries and red plum pits. The graceful, plush tannins nicely frame the perfectly ripe fruit. This is always a stunner!" 

Vinous, 93-95 Points 

"The 2021 Volnay Les Santenots-du-Milieu 1er Cru comes from all the Domaine's vines, including the youngest ones. Wonderful aromatics on the nose: wild strawberry, cranberry, rose petals and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, lovely balance and purity and very harmonious with a slightly grainy texture. Slips down the throat with ease. Outstanding given the growing season." 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"The Santenots du Milieu from Lafon is marvelous wine and among my favourites among the Volnay premier crus, with its perfumed red and black fruit and pleasant floral notes. The texture on the palate is dynamic, with fresh acidity that carry the wine to a pleasantly lingering finish. There is enough extract and ripeness to the tannins to avoid any astringent notes. This wine represents the best of the 3.8 hectares of Santenots du Milieu in the heart of the appellation—a magnificent parcel that consistently produces one of the best red wines south of Corton." 

Wine Advocate, 92-94 Points 

"Exhibiting aromas of raspberries, vine smoke, warm spices, wintergreen and orange zest, the 2021 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots-du-Milieu is medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with an enveloping core of cool, vibrant fruit and a rich, sensual profile. Transcending stereotypes of the vintage, it's a beautiful bottling in the making." 

Burghound, 90-92 Points 

"Note: from a huge 3.78 ha holding of 40+ year old vines planted in shallow, high clay content soil sitting above a bed of solid limestone. Here the nose is firmly reduced and revealing nothing. Otherwise there is good punch on the lighter weight flavors that possess lovely delineation while displaying focused power on the firm, serious and austere finale. This is an excellent example of 'power without weight' and a wine that should repay up to a decade of keeping." 

Jasper Morris, 91 Points 

"No new wood. The last year of the old destemmer. Not very deep in colour. The cherry fruit is most appealing, without the greater density of some vintages. But there may be a finesse missing in the 2017. Floral notes as well, some acidity, and a little pepperiness. Very attractive for the medium term, will hold thereafter but not necessarily gain. Drink from 2027-2034." 

Alcohol: 13% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.