Volnay, Clos de Chênes 1er Cru

When Antonin Guyon started out in the 1960s, he had but a few small parcels of land in Gevrey and Meursault—not an uncommon footing to have in the fragmented tapestry of Burgundy. But today, thanks in part to his forward-thinking sons Dominique and Michel, the domaine has evolved into one of the most prestigious in the Côte d’Or, with day-to-day operations helmed by Dominique and his daughter, Hombeline. Based in Savigny-lès-Beaune, the family’s vineyard properties stretch around the hill of Corton, north to Gevrey, south to Meursault, west to the Hautes Côtes de Nuits and east to Chorey-lès-Beaune. Their wines represent 15 different appellations, including an exceptional range of Premier and Grands Crus and covering many renowned cru villages, giving Domaine Antonin Guyon the depth of a traditional négociant, with estate-produced wines that represent a variety of quality tiers and price points.

Volnay is located in the Côte de Beaune. Clos des Chènes is one of the most well known Premier Crus of the region located near the top of the Volnay Slope, facing due east. Soils here are predominantly limestone based and quite rocky.

Grapes are hand-harvested and then carried in small boxes to the winery, where they are sorted. Fermentation takes place for 20 days in open wooden vats at a controlled temperature, with punching down. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new. Estate bottled after 16 months.

Deep ruby robe with aromas of small red fruits. Racy with a nice length in the mouth, this wine shows great richness and beautiful concentration.