DOMAINE MICHEL LAFARGE VOLNAY 1ER CRU 'CLOS DES CHENES' 2023

Dark cherry and violet lead, cut through with wet stone and a whisper of iron — the signature of Volnay's iron-rich red clay soils working on old vines. This 0.90-hectare parcel in Clos des Chênes sits at the intersection of four premier crus, with southeast exposure and vines between 50 and 70 years old rooted in shallow soil Frédéric Lafarge works only a few centimeters deep. Demeter-certified biodynamic since 2000, the domaine ferments with indigenous yeasts, presses by hand-powered basket press, and ages 18 months before bottling unfiltered. The palate is structured but fine-boned, with persistent minerality and a long, spiced finish.