The 2016 Volnay Clos Des Chenes 1Er Cru's more translucent ruby color is followed by a solid perfume of ripe black cherry and raspberry fruits intermixed with plenty of spice, dried earth, Asian spices, and forest floor. It's juicy and medium-bodied, with a rounded, nicely textured profile, ripe tannins, and an already charming, balanced style that's hard to resist. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years.

The 2016 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru offers plenty of pastille-like red fruit on the nose, not quite as defined as some and evolving a meatiness/bloody character with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well-judged acidity, caressing in the mouth with a harmonious and persistent finish that shows some dryness with aeration. This is initially very attractive and though it just loses some clarity with aeration, it remains a promising Clos des Chênes. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting in Burgundy.

Ripe, bordering on cherry and violet candy flavors, with a firm spine of tannins for support. A dusty edge lines the finish. Best from 2022 through 2033. 50 cases imported.