This is aromatically similar to the Clos des Chênes but with a touch of menthol. The suave round and utterly delicious flavors are shaped by relatively fine tannins and plenty of sappy dry extract yet the finish is exceptionally firm intense and highly persistent finish that is at present overtly austere. Somewhat curiously this is not quite as refined as the Clos des Chênes and is actually on the robust side at present. Note further that this will require a very long cellar snooze before it is completely ready for prime time.

The 2010 Volnay Clos de la Barre is a huge implosive wine loaded with fruit. This explosive Volnay bursts onto the palate with black cherries tar licorice smoke and incense. The aromas and flavors take on a decidedly exotic quality as the wine sits in the glass. This is another wine with a bright future. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. -Antonio Galloni