Although Dr. Lavalle did not mention this vineyard in his 1855 classification as a "Tete de Cuvee", meaning one of the best in the commune, that quality assessment would certainly not be the case today.
This vineyard is producing excellent wine. We farm 0.47 hectares of this highly regarded site which has naturally low yields.
2017 thankfully brought a large crop after the frost-affected 2016 vintage which cut yields by more than half, particularly in the whites. Despite the cold winter, there was an abrupt change in March when temperatures rose, sparking budburst and the inevitable threat of April frost damage. Preventative measures limited any significant damage. Flowering in May was successful under near-perfect conditions. Summer had a fine mixture of sun and rain and the grapes raced to maturity with harvest beginning for us on the 2nd of September with the final parcel, Corton Charlemagne, being harvested on September 10th. Sugars were good, generally in the mid 12.5% range and acidities well balanced. We employed a balance of remontage and pigeage for the first time in order to better manage extraction for the reds. For the whites, fermentation began in tank and moved to barrel after a couple of days of progress. Décuvage occurred almost 21 days after harvest and the fermentation temperatures behaved as expected. Malos for the whites were quick and done by Christmas and the reds finished by mid-May. The wines have ended up balanced and charming for the reds, with the whites classics – expressive with tension and long finishes. Yields were just over 40 hl/ha for the reds and 45 hl/ha for the whites. The reds remind us of 2000 and the whites of 2004.
High on the slopes of Volnay, just to the south of the village, this vineyard benefits from excellent exposure. The terroir has a high proportion of limestone which accounts for its minerality.
Our 0.47 hectare site is populated with vines averaging 65 years old.
Best served between 15 - 16 C/59-61 F.
This well-structured wine can be easily paired with grilled meats, including lamb, rabbit, and beef, and strong cheeses, such as Epoisses, Delices de Bourgogne, Maconnais, or Roquefort.
