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Description
Tasting notes

Reviewed by: William Kelley
Unfurling from the glass with a complex bouquet of red berries, rose hips, smoked meats, dark chocolate and sweet spices, the 2000 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs is medium to full-bodied, supple and charming on the palate, with good depth at the core and melting but chalky structuring tannins. Mingling an abundance of sweet fruit with ample savory nuance, this is showing very well today.

Reviewed by: Pierre Rovani
Sweet violets perfume the dark cherry-laced nose of the 2000 Volnay Clos des Ducs. It has a luxurious, plush attack, coating the palate with oodles of black fruits, then tightens to reveal a firm finish. If this medium-bodied, velvety-textured wine fleshes out its back-end over the next 1-2 years, my score will appear conservative. Projected maturity: 2005-2011. Importer: Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Company, New York, NY; tel. (212) 572-7725

Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2000 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs was surprisingly good at the Clos des Ducs vertical and not completely over-shadowed by either the 1999 or 2002. The nose is open and ripe with darker fruit than the 2002, hints of licorice circling in the background. There is certainly appreciable weight in the mouth here, even a touch of warmth on the candied finish. It does not possess the tension or precision of a top-tier Clos des Ducs however, it will undoubtedly offer great pleasure over the next decade, possibly longer.

Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The Clos des Duc 2000 is a bit more beefy on the nose than the Champans. Dense concentrated fruits on the tight palate, certainly a fine, powerful, structured wine with a minerally core. Again, earlier drinking than 1999 but very fine.
About the Producer
History Domaine Marquis D'Angerville began in the 19th century. In 1804, Baron du Mesnil, the sub-prefect of Autun in Burgundy commune acquires property Clos des Ducs in Volnay - the heart of the appellation Côte de Beaune. Surrounding areas were formerly part of the famous vineyards of Burgundy Dukes Taillepieds, Caillerets and Champans. After the phylloxera epidemic, devastating vineyards in the late 19th century, the nephew and godson Baron du Mesnil, Marquis Sam d'Arzhenvy begins restoration of historic vineyards, re-planting of Pinot Noir grapes. A staunch supporter of "authentic wines" d'Arzhenvy opposes corrupt wine merchants, whose reputation is not always perfect. He becomes the first manufacturer in the region of bottled wines, independently engaged and their subsequent implementation. Due to its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity of the products d'Arzhenvy Sam was one of the founders of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (l'Institut National des Appellations d'Origine, (INAO)). Son of Sam d'Arzhenvy Jacques d'Arzhenvy, created his first vintage in 1945, and in 1952 he takes control of the estate. Following the tradition of Domaine Marquis d'Angerville, Jacques convinced that all the great wines are produced directly in the vineyards, and their success depends on the quality and the low yields of old vines. This approach, according to him, is more reasonable and effective than the "green fee" or thinning. Thus, after decades of observations and work on the selection of the best examples of Pinot Noir, the family d'Angerville received special honor to grow Pinot Noir under the naming "Pinot d'Angerville". From 1982 to 1987, Jacques d'Arzhenvy is chairman and honorary president of the Wine Academy of France. Throughout his life he devoted to the creation of the great wines of Volnay. After his father's death in 2003 his son William took control of the estate d'Arzhenvy in their hands, keeping the tradition of the manor transition from generation to generation. Currently he helps agronomist Renaud de Villette, who worked with Jacques d'Arzhenvy for fifteen years.