Lafarge Volnay 1er cru Clos des Chênes 2018

94-96(+) points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The brilliant 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes offers up an incipiently complex bouquet of dark berry fruit, orange rind, plums, woodsmoke, dark chocolate and rich soil tones. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, reserved and muscular, with excellent depth and concentration, structured around an ample endowment of powdery tannin and succulent acids. The finish is long and nicely defined. As is almost invariably the case, this is a serious wine for the long haul, and it numbers among the wines of the vintage in the Côte de Beaune. (Jan 2020)"

94-96 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2018 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a lilting bouquet of red cherry, cranberry and raspberry aromas with chalky notes tucked in just underneath. The palate is the most structured of Lafarge’s 2018s, displaying fine grip but comparable elegance that defines the finish. There is real succulence here, and wonderful persistence, plus a little bitterness that keeps you coming back for another sip. Outstanding. Drink: 2023-2050. (Jan 2020)"

94-96 points Fine Wine Review: "The nose of the Clos des Chênes is deep and stony with dark fruits. The mouth is intense and dense with dark fruits, stoniness, structure, and freshness. (2/10/20)"

93-96 points Jasper Morris, MW: "A very intense purple. The nose speaks of the highest class, but stays discreet. A perfect quintessence of Volnay at the front of the palate, but the volume shows much more behind, sensational depth here and a backbone of steel. Impeccable balance. All this is no surprise for a Lafarge Clos ds Chênes. (Nov 2019)"

95 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2018 Clos des Chênes chez Lafarge is again, quite red fruity in personality out of the blocks, with great breed and complexity already evident in its aromatic combination of red plums, cherries, raw cocoa, gamebird, woodsmoke, gentle notes of violet, dark soil tones and a hint of hazelnuts in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and properly reserved in personality, with a rock solid core, great soil signature, ripe, seamless tannins and great backend energy and grip on the very, very long, very pure finish. Great juice. 2033-2075. (Nov/Dec 2019)"

95 points Tim Atkin, MW (Decanter): "The Lafarges' one-hectare parcel of Clos des Chênes is 60 years' old and sits at the crossroads of four Premiers Crus in one of the best spots in Volnay. Taut, chiselled and hauntingly well balanced, with stylish 20% new wood crunchy pomegranate and wild strawberry fruit and a finish that leaves the palate alive and refreshed, this is a superb red Burgundy. Drinking Window: 2025-2032."