Volnay 1er Cru "Les Mitans" 2012, Domaine de Montille

There are still plenty of bottles of 2012 available from merchants and they often retail at prices below the more recent and more applauded vintages like 2015, 2016 and 2017. Perhaps this is not surprising because of the cool and wet spring followed by hailstorms and heat waves which resulted in inconsistent ripening and tricky wine-making decisions. It is surprising though given yields were generally 50% below the theoretical average. The 2012 NSG 1er Cru from Aurelien Verdet didn't really shine, the 2012 Morey Saint Denis from Michel Magnien was more on the money but lacked a thrill factor. What about this Volnay 1er Cru? It turned out to be the best of the bunch by a long shot. A floral, uplifting nose with blueberry notes and a sprinkling of vanilla. Evolves to sweet raspberry, strawberry jam even, aniseed. Very attractive and feminine - juste comme il faut. Medium body, a delicious raspberry and strawberry flavour. Good intensity and long lasting, savour tannins. A drop of cherry liqueur on the finish. Very clearly a fine Volnay and could easily evolve for another 3 years. Scores 89/100.