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All wines below were tasted from coravined bottles.
Frédéric Lafarge said that 2020 yielded 65-70% of a full harvest. The harvest began on 22 August.
2020 Volnay
The nose here is ripe, but not overripe. The mouth is fresh, precise, and pure with depth and overall balance. It is an outstanding introduction to the Lafarge lineup. About 13% alcohol. 91/A
2020 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes
Stony in the nose, still a bit closed. The mouth is mineral and stony with structure, blue fruit. The wine is ripe, but not overripe, and very long. 93(+)/A
2018 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes
The nose here is spectacular with intensity, precision, and complexity. The mouth is complex with dark fruits, purity, precision, and layering on the tongue, plus a caressing texture. My review of the wine tasted in November 2019 is here. 95/A+
Below are notes on wines from Chantal and Frédéric’s Beaujolais estate Domaine Lafarge Vial. Like the Volnay estate, it is organic and biodynamic.
Alas, as outstanding as these wines are, they are rare as the crop was hit by a very late frost and there was plenty of couleur, resulting in only 15% of a normal crop.
2021 Fleurie
Deep crushed blueberry fruit in the nose and mouth. 90/B+
2021 Fleurie Clos Vernay
Broader and more sensuous than the regular Fleurie. Mineral, penetrating, and showing violet aromas and flavors. 91/A-
2021 Côte de Brouilly
This is an exceptional Côte de Brouilly with freshness to the dark fruit, silky lightness on the palate, and great length and precision. 93/A