2016 Nicolas Rossignol Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

2016 Nicolas Rossignol Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

2016 Nicolas Rossignol Volnay 1er Cru Santenots An extremely ripe yet not premature nose of menthol, plus liqueur and cassis aromas lead to very rich, indeed even opulent medium-bodied flavors that exude an abundance of palate coating dry extract on the velvety, powerful and coffee-infused finish of dramatic persistence. This is not an especially elegant version of the appellation nor does it have the intense minerality of the best examples yet it is compelling in its own right.” –Allen Meadows from Burghound

Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”

Volnay- Sometimes known as the Chambolle Musigny of the Côte de Beaune, Volnay is famous for its silky, elegant wines with finesse, delicacy and an almost ethereal nose. However, the wines have a depth and structure that can allow them to age for decades. Remington Norman said it wonderfully in his book The Great Domaines of Burgundy: ‘If the wines of Pommard sometimes seem like a truck-driver’s interpretation of Pinot, then those of Volnay are a ballerina’s.