Winemaker Notes
Blanchot called "couste de blanchot" in 1537, comes from the Germanic word "clear". This climate undoubtedly takes its name from the stony nature of the soil, composed of whitish limestone, and the light-colored clay-limestone subsoil. The climate faces south-east, on the slopes of a cool, well-ventilated valley that receives only morning sunshine. The limestone soils drain well.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
What a beautiful Volnay this is, with all the flowers and fragrant cherry fruit we associate with this appellation. The flinty energy dances over your palate and gives a wonderful tension on the medium-bodied palate. I love the delicate allspice and licorice character that runs through the very long finish.
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Wine Spectator
This opulent red is saturated with cherry, blackberry, violet, sandalwood and vanilla flavors. Vibrant acidity and dusty tannins provide structure, while the long aftertaste picks up a hint of orange peel. Best from 2026 through 2039. 950 cases made, 180 cases imported.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
On the hillsides between Pommard and Meursault, Volnay is one of two villages in the Côte de Beaune of Burgundy that is recognized for its extraordinary Pinot Noir. Pommard is the other; the rest of the villages are most known for some of the most exceptional Chardonnay in the world. While Volnay Pinot Noir tends to be light in color and more delicate than that of Pommard, they typically stand on par with each other in regards to quality and demand.
Volnay can’t claim any Grands Crus vineyards but more than half of it has achieved Premier Cru status. Volnay Premiers Crus vineyards stretch across the entire village from northeast to southwest, abutting and actually falling “into” Meursault. Where they merge is a vineyard called Les Santenots. Pinot Noir grows in this Meursault Premier Cru but since that village is most associated with stellar whites, the Pinot Noir from Les Santenots, takes the name Volnay Santenots. Immediately above it are Volnay’s other prized Premier Cru, Le Cailleret, Champans, Clos des Chênes and Le Cailleret.
Volnay Pinot Noir are earthy with red or blue fruit. Aromas such as smoke, herbs, forest, cocoa and spice are common and on the palate they are gorgeous and concentrated with finesse but won’t truly charm you without some age.