Comtes Lafon Volnay 1er cru Clos des Chênes 2020

93-95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2020 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru was a small yield this year as it is an old vineyard on top of the hill, so just three and a half barrels were produced. The nose is lively and vivacious with black cherries, violet and crushed stone aromas - all well defined. The palate is svelte and harmonious, - silky smooth and fine tannins, impressive mineralité with a poised and persistent, almost Lafarge-like finish. Superb. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30. Drinking Window: 2024-2045. (Dec 2021)"

94 points Charles Curtis, MW (Decanter): "Classic, elegant example of Volnay, with ripe blackberry fruit accented with mineral notes and a bit of what the French call beaux amers ('good bitterness') that emphasises the structure and depth of this marvellous wine. This is among the quintessential group of Volnay premier crus, and Lafon's 0.38ha parcel has produced a startlingly good result. The grapes were picked very ripe (14% potential alcohol) but with remarkable balance. After destemming and a cold soak, they were fermented on native yeasts and aged without any new wood. Drinking Window: 2025-2060. (11/10/21)"

93 points Christy Canterbury, MW (TimAtkin.com) (2023).

91-93 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes wafts from the glass with aromas of wild berries, rose petals, orange rind and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with succulent acids and rich, powdery tannins, this is also a notable success. (1/20/22)"

91-93 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "Rich dense purple, still the residue of a light reduction on the nose. At the moment the power of the year is slightly taking the fore, but you can feel the quintessential class of Clos des Chênes wanting to rise up. Some better acidity at the back retains freshness and the cherry notes are less sundried. Fine classy long finish. (Oct 2021)"

92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2020 Clos des Chênes from Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a very lovely example of the vintage. The wine offers up an aromatic constellation of sweet dark berries, cassis, a touch of fresh herbs woodsmoke, pigeon, a complex base of dark soil tones, coffee bean and a deft touch of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, complex and nicely transparent in personality, with a good core of fruit, tangy acids, fine-grained tannins and lovely focus and balance on the long and complex finish. Fine juice. Drinking Window: 2032-2080. (Nov/Dec 2021)"