Lafarge Volnay Vendanges Sélectionnées 2018

91-94 points Jasper Morris, MW: "Perhaps a trifle denser in colour than the straight Volnay and a little bit sterner in bouquet. Exceptional tension on the plate with a much darker fruit, dark raspberry, loganberry, but not top heavy. This will just take longer to come round. (Nov 2019)"

91-94 points Fine Wine Review: "The vendanges sélectionnées is tighter and the nose and has more black fruits than the straight Volnay. This wine is smooth, round and elegant with more depth and substance. (2/10/20)"

93 points Tim Atkin, MW (Decanter): "All of the parcels that supply fruit for this top-end village wine are over 55 years' old and are located in four terroirs below Volnay's Premiers Crus. Exhibiting some nobel reduction, savoury tannins and the layered. Refreshing red fruit sweetness that's the hallmark of Frédéric Lafarge's wines this has floral top notes and an elegant, refreshing finish. 2023-2030. (Oct 2018)"

93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Volnay Vendanges Selectionnées brings more richness as well as texture, offering beautiful black cherry and darker raspberry fruits as well as lots of spice box, forest floor, violets, flowers, and even a hint of orange tea. It's beautiful on the palate as well and has a pure, focused texture, plenty of mid-palate depth, bright yet integrated acidity, and a great finish. For the value hunters out there, this is well worth snatching up! (11/8/21)"

92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2018 Volnay 'Vendanges Selectionées' from Frédéric Lafarge is also excellent, with more depth and sappiness at the core than the straight AC this year, coupled with a bit more structure as well on the backend. The aromatic constellation is a refined mix of red plums, cherries, woodsmoke, pigeon, a touch of nutskin and a lovely, smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very svelte in profile, with a good core, lovely transparency, impeccable balance and a long, complex suavely tannic finish. I love the backend energy and bounce here. 2027-2060. (Nov/Dec 2019)"

90-92+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 Volnay Vendanges Sélectionées is a stunning communal bottling in the making, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, cherries, sweet soil tones, raw cocoa and candied citrus peel. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with powdery tannins, lively acids and a long, mineral finish. This will be well worth seeking out. (Jan 2020)"