LouisJadotVolnayClosdelaBarreMonopole1erCru2019

The House of Louis Jadot has been producing exceptional Burgundy wines since its founding in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot. For the past 150 years Louis Jadot has continued as one of the great names of Burgundy and has gained international reputation for its superb red and white Burgundy wines. Louis Jadot is not only one of the largest producers of estate Burgundies of the Cote d’Or, it is one of the most celebrated exporters of premium Burgundies, owning close to 140 acres of vineyards from 24 of the most prestigious sites in Burgundy.rrVolnay lies roughly in the centre of the Côte de Beaune, bordered by Pommard to the Northeast, Monthélie to the West and Meursault to the South. This beautiful walled vineyard is only 3.3 acres in size, but produces one of the great Volnays. The south-easterly exposed vineyards produce only red wines and 26 Premiers Crus. The soil is extremely thin, chalky, high in calcium and yield the lightest most delicate wines. The strip below, where most of the Premiers Crus are located, is much lower in chalk with a thin iron rich layer covering a strong subsoil. The grapes bear small little dark red berries. The bunches are destemmed; they macerate in open vats during 4 weeks helping the subtle terroir to reveal itself. After devatting, the wines are aged in oak barrels during 18 months. rrWeather in 2019: The vintage was characterised by greater than average sunlight. The harvest was relatively late by modern standards, beginning in September rather than August. In the Côte de Nuits, a number of growers waited until mid to late September to start picking; they felt that the unusual weather conditions had blocked phenolic ripeness and the grapes needed a little more time â€?and possibly some rain. In the end, relatively little water arrived, but there doesn’t seem to be excessive alcohol or richness in later-picked wines. The resulting berries were concentrated, with a high ratio of skins to juice, high acidity and higher than usual sugar levels â€?though without hitting the extremes occasionally encountered in â€?8.The red wines are excellent, with slightly riper tannins than in â€?8. Despite relatively elevated alcohol levels which generally sit half a degree either side of 14%, the low pH â€?and therefore high acidity â€?has ensured they retain plenty of freshness and classically Burgundian features. The wines were very approachable from barrel, but their tremendous balance and concentrated fruit should ensure they offer medium- to long-term ageing potential. rrTechnical Information: rVineyards: Volnay, Clos de la BarrerGrape Varities: 100% Pinot NoirrDrink: Now to 2030rrTasting Note: A supple red, with core flavors of cherry, raspberry and plum fruit shaded by vanilla, sweet spices and a vegetal note. Firms up, with chalky tannins marking the vibrant finish.