PRE-ARRIVAL 2023 Fontaine-Gagnard Volnay 1er Cru 'Clos des Chenes' 750Ml Bottle

From vines mostly planted in 1940 with a small parcel planted in 1960 by Laurence's grandfather and father. More class here with Turkish delight, spice and red fruits in an inviting display of elegance and power; cool and fresh, and with a latent power, it should age well.

'This is also quite aromatically elegant with its blend of airy red pinot fruit, spice and the barest hint of wood influence. Once again the vibrant and surprisingly powerful flavors are not particularly dense but do possess a lovely texture as well as better complexity on the balanced, firm and lingering finish. In contrast to the preceding wines that could be approached young, this will need at least a few years first as it's presently relatively tightly wound.' 90 points - Allen Meadows, Burghound

'The 2023 Volnay Clos des Chênes ler Cru doesn't quite deliver the amplitude and complexity of the Chassagne Mourgeot Rouge this year. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy tannins and orange rind infusing the red fruit with a dash of spice on the finish. It's not bad at all, though I err toward the 2022 at the moment.' 89-91 points - Neal Martin, Vinous