Les Lurets

In contrast to the village wine from the same parcel, this displays more complexity, with subtle spice notes joining the berry fruit and violet on the nose. The palate is dense and concentrated with some warmth and rich strawberry fruit, all the while retaining the elegance of Volnay. Drink 2022-2029.

After the famine of 2016, this year is something of a feast, at least in the case of the reds. Sadly, the whites, which Dominique praises as having excellent clarity, are in slightly smaller volumes than 2016. The good news is that the full range of red wines has been made, and in good volume too. Dominique is effusive in his praise for the 2017 reds, describing them as appealing, with beautiful balance, a lightness of touch, refined tannins and a floral character with stunning red fruit.

Very slightly denser in colour than the village Volnay, this is notably denser in every other aspect, especially at the back of the mouth. What a burst of fruit emerges! But this really needs more barrel time. Drink 2022-2030.
Jasper Morris MW, Wine Buyer

The whites were picked from 28th August with a good crop for the Bourgogne Blanc, rather less in the other white vineyards. The reds – more wine than in 2014 or 2016 but far from a full crop – are superb, having been vinified with very light extraction, given the health and beauty of the raw material. While all the whites count as domaine wines, there are now two excellent cuvées of Premier Cru Beaune from purchased grapes to go alongside the domaine-owned Beaune Épenottes and the two Volnays.

This wine has an amazing wealth of fruit, notable grip and will benefit from longer barrel élévage. It is certainly one to put away in the cellar and look forward to.
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Director

The former Domaine René Manuel has been purchased by investors, the vineyards being split between Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Domaine Roulot while Dominique Lafon himself has moved production of his own label wines to the Manuel cellars in Meursault, as well as gaining some Bourgogne Blanc vines. Though Dominique operates officially under the status of negociant, all the wines are domaine grown and bottled except the Bourgogne Blanc, which will be next year.

Shining a deep full purple, this wine still needs time in barrel, but it will certainly go the distance. It is another very stylish Volnay, but shows velvety fruit and greater depth than the village wine. It is noticeably more backward and with a firmer structure and impressive acidity too.
Jasper Morris MW,  Berrys' Burgundy Director Shining a deep full purple, this wine still needs time in barrel, but it will certainly go the distance. It is another very stylish Volnay, but shows velvety fruit and greater depth than the village wine. It is noticeably more backward and with a firmer structure and impressive acidity too.

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This is an adorable Volnay from Dominique Lafon, with beautifully plump, dark red fruit swelling across the palate and a very long finish indeed.