Lafarge Volnay 1er cru Mitans (stained label) 2016

96 points Tim Atkin, MW (Jan 2018).

92-95 points Fine Wine Review: "This vineyard and the Caillerets below froze and so lost half a normal harvest, something Michel Lafarge has never seen for those two vineyards. The nose is stony and floral and a bit broader and darker in fruit than that of the Pitures. The mouth, too, is broader and the fruit darker than in the Pitures, with blueberries leading the way. This is a very pure expression of the Mitans terroir. (10/26/17)"

93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "With the very short crop in Mitans in 2016, it is likely that this wine will all be bottled in magnums this year. The wine is really gorgeous this year, with a vibrant and red fruity bouquet of cherries, red plums, gamebird, raw cocoa, a fine, complex base of soil tones and a touch of bonfire up high. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and nicely sappy at the core, with great minerality, ripe, suave tannins and a long, tangy and complex finish. Despite the short crop from the frost, the wine has turned out absolutely classic in profile and will be a superb bottle of Mitans in the fullness of time. 2026-2065. (Nov/Dec 2017)"

93 points Jasper Morris, MW: "Lost half the crop to frost. Palish pink purple with a gentle refined Volnay nose. This has a softer, riper more generous feel with some dark fruit notes. Acidity more than tannin, middleweight and length. (Jan 2018)"

91-93 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Mitans has a more mineral-driven bouquet than the Pitures, more aloof and distant at the moment but just as complex. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a gentle grip in the mouth, the tannins becoming just a little robust toward the finish, suggesting that it will deserve 5 or 6 years in the cellar. The mouth tingles with the chalky aftertaste long after it has departed. This is a brilliant follow-up to the 2015 last year and just as good. Drink: 2021-2038. (Dec 2017)"

90-93 points and 'Don't miss!/Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from Mitans proper). An admirably pure nose speaks of essence of red currant, raspberry, cherry, spice and a whiff of orange peel. The sleek and intense medium weight flavors possess a lacy mouth feel while exhibiting really lovely delineation on the subtly mineral-inflected finish. This isn't the most complex wine in the range but for sheer refinement and grace, it's the best here plus it should age effortlessly. Drink: 2026+. (Apr 2018)"