1999 Lafon Volnay 1er Cru Champans

As is usually the case, the Champans is more reserved on the nose than the Clos des Chênes. It's also bigger, more structured and richer with mouth coating tannins yet they are buffered by excellent extract, which causes them to have a velvety impact. Champans can often be a bit foursquare in character but this is rich and stylish if not exactly a wine of delicacy or finesse. Burghound Outstanding!

Saturated medium ruby. Superripe, almost liqueur-like aromas of black plum, black cherry and black raspberry. Thicker and sweeter than the Clos des Chenes, but still holding a lot in reserve. Chewy and deep; very rich but not at all heavy. Finishes very long, with a serious tannic structure for aging. -- Stephen Tanzer/Vinous 91+