Lafarge Volnay 1er cru Mitans 2017

95 points Tim Atkin, MW (Decanter): "Fermented with 40% whole bunches for the first time in 2017 as an experiment, this has to be considered a success, adding a layer of Asian spices to the wine. Precise and refined, with lots of sappy, refreshing fruit, this is one of a series of delightful Lafarge wines this year. Drinking Window: 2023-2030. (Nov 2018)"

93-95 points Fine Wine Review: "Lafarge’s Volnay-Mitans also has dark fruit, but here there is some spice to it, roundness, and more weight than in the Pitures. The wine has finesse, but there are also tannins on the finish to support aging. (1/19/19)"

92-94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2017 Volnay Les Mitans 1er Cru, which has a little whole bunch fruit, has a more open and expressive bouquet compared to the Les Pitures. Scents of bright red cherries mingle with strawberry and damp moss-like notes. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, quite bold tannin, earthy and masculine with a classic, slightly marine-like finish, a tang of oyster shell on the aftertaste. Superb. Drink: 2022-2045. (Jan 2019)"

91-94 points/'Sweet spot,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from Mitans proper; vinified with 40% whole clusters). Once again the elegant nose is cool, airy and restrained with its gorgeous aromas of rose petal, lavender and freshly crushed cherry and raspberry scents that are liberally laced with spice hints. There is almost painful intensity to the refined by very punchy flavors that possess terrific delineation on the strikingly complex, lingering and balanced finish. This is very classy but clearly intended for long keeping. Drink: 2032+. (Apr 2019)"

93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2017 Mitans chez Lafarge included forty percent whole clusters in this vintage and is the most black fruity premier cru in the cellars this year. The superb bouquet delivers scents of black plums, cassis, espresso, a beautiful array of dark soil elements, woodsmoke, venison and a touch of new oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, long and black fruity in personality, with fine transparency, fine-grained tannins and impeccable balance on the long, youthful finish that closes with a lovely synthesis of fruit and soil. Classy juice. 2027-2070. (Nov/Dec 2018)"

90-93 points Jasper Morris, MW: "Medium deep dark red. The nose is softly luxurious, and indeed the wine is gorgeously lush on the palate, yet still lifted at the back. The balance is perfect. 50% whole bunch for the first time and only for this cuvée. It slightly changes the finish, but in way dries out the fruit. Tasted: November 2018."