Wine: 1998 Volnay "Clos des Chateau des Ducs"

Producer: Domaine Michel Lafarge (Volnay)

Comment: Volnay was one of the Côte de Beaune communes that performed particularly well in 1998, and this wine is a compelling example of that success. Exquisite aromas of minerals and pure pinot extract that lean decidedly toward red fruits followed by intense, beautifully delineated and quite fine flavors that have a certain delicacy to them. There is a hint of astringency on the finish but there is more than adequate sève to buffer these tannins as the wine ages. Reference standard Volnay and worth a special search. 93/2008-15

U.S. Importer: Esquin Imports, Inc., San Anselmo, Calif. A Becky Wasserman Selection.

Suggested Price: Approximately $85 (you can expect to pay $60 to $75)

Important Note: Burghound.com has no financial relationship of any kind with Domaine Lafarge or with Esquin Imports.

Each week we feature a different Burgundy. While there will be a mix of vintages, most wines featured will be those that can normally be found at a variety of fine wine retailers. Each wine will be described and rated with a suggested window of peak drinkability indicated after the numerical score. Prices shown are estimated retail in the U.S., but prices do of course vary widely depending on the retailer.