2021 Vincent Girardin Volnay 1er Cru Champans, Burgundy

note: 30% whole clusters. Strong notes of wood and reduction render the nose impossible to assess. Otherwise, there is good density to the generously proportioned and suave medium-bodied flavors that possess a seductive texture that contrasts noticeably with the firm and borderline chewy finish. As the description suggests, this is awkward and tough to judge at present. June 2023, Drink 2029+

89-91 points Allen Meadows burghound.com

A domaine wine. Glowing purple, with a more elegant red fruit nose, and a floral touch. Very elegant, I thought maybe some whole bunches but in fact not, medium density but fine persistence, and a very good fruit-acid balance. Drink from 2025-2031. Tasted: October 2022.

90-93 points JM MW insideburgundy.com

The 2021 Volnay Les Champans 1er Cru has a very elegant bouquet, pure and delineated with Dorset plums and redcurrant jus, quite mineraldriven. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, fleshy and ripe, just a little oaky towards the finish though that should be assimilated with time. Shove this in a cellar for five years, and I suspect it will show very well. Drink 2024 – 2045 (Nov 22)

91-93 points Neal Martin vinous.com 

Grapes come from vineyards from the village of Volnay in the Côte de Beaune, and especially from 'Les Lurets' and 'La Gigotte' vineyards, at the bottom of Volnay. The vines are 65 years old.Soil is clay and limestone, gently sloping. Harvesting is by hand. The grapes are partially de-stemmed and softly pressed during the 3 week alcoholic fermentation..Malolactic fermentation takes place in the French oak barrels (15% new) and the wine is then aged on fine lees for 14 months.

Volnay combines breeding with nobility, delicacy, elegance and feminity. It is  delicate violet with berry fragrance. One of the finest representatives of the Côte de Beaune. The Volnay is in the Côte de Beaune what the Chambolle Musigny is in the Côte de Nuits. A feminine wine which is one of the only Burgundy Pinot Noir you can already enjoy and drink when young.