d'Angerville Volnay 1er cru Clos des Ducs 1996

95 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "The '96 is a great example of how deceiving light color can be with fine Burgundy as this is not much darker than a typical Beaujolais yet the wine offers penetrating, lively, in fact textbook Clos des Ducs aromas of dried rose petals and sour cherries plus fresh pinot fruit of uncanny, laser-like focus. The purity here is really sensational as there is an intensely tactile impression of stones on the palate and outstanding precision. The wine is quite structured but the structure is subtle, almost hidden as though it were simply a background nuance rather than the framework within which the rest of the components are allowed to express themselves. More obviously acidic than the '97 or '98 yet the '96 remains impeccably balanced with superb finesse and a finely wrought interplay of acid and fruit that continues into the long, silky finish. Quite simply, this is a dazzlingly good young Clos des Ducs. Consistent notes. Drink: 2011+. (Oct 2006)"

92-94 points Pierre Rovani (Wine Advocate): "I flipped over the Marquis d'Angerville's Volnay Clos Des Ducs. Sporting a medium-to-dark ruby color, this wine offers mouth-watering aromas of cream-covered black cherries and the inviting scents of a deep-dish cherry pie. Powerful and explosive layers of sweet red and black fruits greet the palate in this profound, broad, concentrated, and complex wine. It is slightly more structured, intense, and extracted than Volnay Taillepieds. It will also require more patience. (Apr 1998)"

93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "I love the 1996 Clos des Ducs from Jacques d’Angerville, but true to his style back in this era, it remains a structured young wine in need of quite a bit more cellaring. However, all of the constituent components here are in perfect position for a long and very beautiful plateau of drinkability when the wine is ready, and all that is missing is the passage of more time. The youthful nose is pure and promising, wafting from the glass in a mix of red plums, woodsmoke, a hint of dried eucalyptus, a complex base of dark soil tones, woodsmoke and a bit of roasted venison in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, tangy and rock solid at the core, with lovely focus and grip, moderate tannins and outstanding length and grip on the still quite primary, but very promising finish. Just have patience, as true greatness is lurking here! 2026-2085. (Sep/Oct 2018)"