Volnay 1er Cru Les Mitans Domaine de Montille 2020

Description

Domaine de Montille is one of the top producers in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The domaine was developed by Hubert de Montille, a lawyer by trade, who inherited 2.5 hectares of vineyards in Volnay in the early 1950s when most of the production was sold in bulk to négociants. Over the years he acquired further parcels in Volnay, as well as in Pommard, Beaune, Corton, and (from 2005) the Côte de Nuits, including some marvellous Vosne Romanée Les Malconsorts. There are also some fine holdings of white wine vineyards, especially Puligny-Montrachet Les Caillerets.

Today the domaine is run by his son Etienne. The winemaking is traditional - partial destemming followed by a relatively long maceration period. The wines are aged in oak barriques (20-30% new) and are bottled unfiltered. These are wonderfully elegant, harmonious wines that require at least five years bottle ageing to show at their very best.

The 2020 Volnay Les Mitans 1er Cru is 100% whole cluster this year. Touches of white pepper and clove infuse the red fruit, undergrowth and hints of autumn leaves gradually evolving with time. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins on the entry. There is a mixture of red and black fruit with a touch of black pepper and allspice towards the structured, (again) Pommard-like finish. Closure: Diam. 92-94pts Neal Martin, Vinous