Domaine de Montille - AOC Volnay 1er Cru "Les Champans" 2018

Domaine de Montille is not only one of the greatest Domaines in Burgundy, but one of the greatest Domaines in France. The winemaking is traditional - partial destemming followed by a relatively long maceration period. The wines are aged in oak barriques (20-30% new) and are bottled unfiltered. These are wonderfully elegant, harmonious wines that require at least five years bottle ageing to show at their very best.

The 2018 Volnay Les Champans 1er Cru includes 50% whole cluster and has a much more floral bouquet than the Mitans, with wilted rose petal percolating through the red fruit. The well-balanced palate is tannic on the entry. The brisk, terse finish indicates that it is in for the long haul. I like the salinity here. Neal Martin, Vinous, Score: 91-93