2015 Nicolas Rossignol Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

Burghound 89

“Here too there is just enough brett character to mention though I stress that it's presently extremely subtle and still easily allows the highly spiced and distinctly floral-scented nose to shine. The wonderfully, even lavishly rich velvet-textured medium weight plus flavors once again coat the mouth with sappy dry extract that renders the firm tannins all but invisible on the powerful, driving and hugely long finish. As with the Clos des Angles, the brett is quite unobtrusive and not likely to trouble most drinkers. With that caveat duly noted, it's difficult to predict how this will age in the context of whether the brett will remain subtle or become more pronounced.” (April, 2017)

Vinous Media (Stephen Tanzer) 93+

“Dark red with ruby tones, with the color coming from iron and limestone in the soil, according to Rossignol. Sexy scents of red raspberry, spices and tobacco. Wonderfully vibrant and delineated, particularly for Santenots, showing a fine-grained texture and terrific inner-mouth lift to its flavors of raspberry, dried flowers and spices. Serious depth here, as well as considerable dusty tannins to be absorbed. The Cailleret is for spring and summer, says Rossignol, while this wine is for fatty, spicier foods in fall and winter.” (January, 2018)

Wine Advocate (Neal Martin) 91-93

“The 2015 Volnay 1er Cru les Santenots comes from 2.1 hectares of vine that Nicolas treats as three different cuvées before blending them together. This is completely de-stemmed as usual. It has an attractive bouquet that shows more class than the other premier crus, with scents of crushed violets, black cherries, blackcurrant and iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent entry, vibrant and lively with crisp acidity and chalky tannin that leads towards a sensual and opulent finish that is beautifully controlled. This is the best Volnay that Nicolas has produced in 2015.” (December, 2016)