"from a huge 3.78 ha holding of 40+ year old vines planted in shallow, high clay content soil sitting above a bed of solid limestone. Slightly riper and markedly spicier aromas of poached plum, dark currant and a suggestion of earth enjoy a variety of floral influences and in particular violet. There is excellent volume and better mid-palate density to the focused and powerful larger-bodied flavors that conclude in a compact, serious and bult-to-age finale. This is impressive and wine that should age gracefully over the next 20 years. Strongly worth considering."
Antonio Galloni
AG96
"For the first time, the Volnay Les Santenots-du-Milieu contains 50% whole clusters, which they believe adds more freshness to the wine. I think it gives another layer of complexity: black plum, violet, briar and just a touch of graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins and gentle grip, gaining body and depth towards a harmonious and minerally finish. Excellent. NB In 2023, they de-stemmed 100%, so the whole bunches are subject to the growing season." -Neal Martin
Robert Parker
RP93
"Revisited in bottle, the 2022 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots-du-Milieu opens in the glass with aromas of plums, sweet wild berries and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming palate that's suave and integrated out of the gates." -William Kelley
Jancis Robinson
JR17
"40% whole clusters. Cask sample. Mid-pale ruby. A nose of cherries and raspberries, and a restrained mouthful of them too. Refreshed by a lick of green freshness. Persistent and complete. Fresh acidity leading on. Ageable."
Decanter
D95
"I have long loved the Volnay Santenots from Lafon. The style has been evolving in recent years; if anything, it is even more compelling. Out of cask, the wine has an inky dark colour and an impressively fragrant nose with mulberry and plum aromas, hints of earth, smoke and spice. The texture is rich and dense but not astringent, and the finish is impressively long. The percentage of whole cluster has been creeping up (40% in 2022), and the number of punch downs declining to deliver a silky, approachable texture and abundant, forward fruit."
