2017 Domaine Y. Clerget, Volnay Premier Cru, Carelle sous la Chapelle

The 2017 Volnay En Carelle Sous La Chapelle 1er Cru has a slightly disjointed bouquet that requires only a couple of minutes to gain focus and delineation, though the aromatics lack the vibrancy and purity of the succeeding vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with pretty red cherry and red plum fruit, coming across a little conservative toward the finish, but boy, does this meliorate with aeration! After a couple of hours it suddenly goes up through the gears, developing more precision and harmony than it had immediately after opening. My score reflects this Volnay in full flight.

The 2017 Volnay Carelle Sous la Chappelle 1er Cru is another wine in this range that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Hints of rose petal, lavender and mint add an attractive upper register to a core of pretty red/purplish berry fruit.