Showing a very pure Volnay nose, this is the parallel style to Monthélie. With greater density, lovely brisk raspberry notes and no invasive tannins in the way, it has a graceful finish.
Jasper Morris MW, Berrys' Burgundy Director Bouchard picked from 29th August to 10th September in 2011 and Philippe Prost, his head winemaker, thinks that there is a clear stylistic difference in 2011 between the up slope wines which are in a modern, fruit forward style, and the denser, more structured lower slope bottlings. Either way, the key was to avoid green tannins and to limit new oak: 20-25% for lesser Premier Crus, 30-50% for senior versions and a maximum 65% for Grand Cru of either colour.

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From a first class vintage, this Clos des Chênes is still a remarkably youthful colour, with a wonderfully lively fruit on both nose and palate. Impeccably balanced, it bears the hallmark of the 2010 vintage, with a racy dark fruit finish. It will certainly develop very well but it is too tempting to try now. 
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Director

Maison Roche de Bellene Production has recently moved to a new facility on the outskirts of Beaune, which is making life much easier for the Roche de Bellene team. The philosophy stays the same: work with excellent grape sources and get the wines out into the market at competitive prices. The reds have had an excellent following for many a year now, while recently the whites have shown the same impressive price to quality ratio that makes this such a good address.

Nicolas Potel has installed the négociant arm of his business on the Savigny side of town which gives him plenty of space for making and maturing the wines, along with logistics and office needs, while keeping his Domaine de Bellene operation completely separate in Beaune itself. The selling point here is consistent competence mixed with attractive pricing.

With lots of energy, this is a very stylish Volnay. There is a velvety wealth of fruit and a hugely attractive, generous middle, resulting in a long and lovely palate. A few wood tannins help the structure. It is very good indeed.
Nicolas Potel has installed the négociant arm of his business on the Savigny side of town which gives him plenty of space for making and maturing the wines, along with logistics and office needs, while keeping his Domaine de Bellene operation completely separate in Beaune itself. The selling point here is consistent competence mixed with attractive pricing.

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