Volnay Premier Cru Santenots du Milieu 2017 (Domaine des Comtes Lafon)

Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This Volnay Premier Cru begins with an ever so slightly reductive nose of sour cherry, orange zest, cranberry, rose petals, and toasted nuts.

The Pinot Noir grapes were harvested from the Santenots du Milieu vineyard, a 4-hectare plot in the Cote de Beaune defined by its shallow limestone-rich soils. Domaine des Comtes Lafon has been the pride and joy of the Lafon family since 1865.

The domain itself is located in the appellation of Meursault, but its vineyards span 14 hectares, across the mythical regions of Chassagne-Montrachet, Monthélie, and of course, Volnay. These days, it is owned and operated by the fifth generation of Lafons, Léa and Pierre, who were given the reins żeby Dominique in 2021.

In the mouth, Santenots du Milieu exhibits an intense core of sour cherry and raspberry fruit, lifted on the shoulders of grippy tannins and taut acidity. As it develops, you can detect notes of warm soil, smoke, and dried Provençal herbs.

It’s a medium- to full-bodied wine, perfect for those seeking a top-quality Pinot Noir with some meat to it. Consider pairing it with mushroom burgers, beef stew, or a mature cheese.