Monday, 23 September 2013

1985 Volnay Santenots, Ampeau


23 Sep 2013: As Super Typhoon Usagi swept in to thrash the city of Hong Kong yesterday evening, we settled in to enjoy a very refined 1985 Volnay Santenots, Ampeau. Medium garnet core. Beautiful mature Burgundian bouquet of undergrowth, wet leaves, prune, mushroom, overlying notes of dried strawberry and plum. Silky texture coating the sophisticated palate, highlighted by vibrant freshness, depth of character and an understated elegance, all within a mid-weight frame. Just a hint of dryness on the long finish. A magnificently harmonious expression of this Volnay terroir that has aged most gracefully! Drinking at peak now and over next 3 - 5+ years! 18/20 

We also had a 1993 Volnay Santenots du Milieu, Lafon recently. This seemed more angular, and somewhat ungenerous on the palate.....although still flaunting some primary red fruit and spice, as well as tertiary notes of sous-bois....but the prominence of the acidity made it seem rather unyielding at this point in time....not sure this would get any better than this. 16.5/20

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