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Description
Tasting notes

Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2011 Volnay Clos des Ducs 1er Cru is showing extremely well. It is not the deepest in color and the bouquet demands some encouragement, but gradually reveals enticing smoke-infused red fruit, Earl Grey and earthy scents. Conservative and classic in style but very compelling. The palate is medium-bodied with an appealing, fleshy opening. There is a lovely suppleness to this Clos des Ducs with a persistent and seamless finish that flirts with ferrous-like notes on the aftertaste. Wonderful. Tasted at the annual Marquis d'Angerville tasting in London.

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Palish bright red. Highly perfumed nose combines redcurrant, cherry, smoky minerals and faded flowers, complicated by earth and caramel nuances. Taut and juicy in the mouth, with a tightly coiled spring of pungent minerality energizing the youthful flavors of ripe cherry, redcurrant, smoke and spices. Much less creamy than the Champans, with a saline calcaire element giving the mid-palate uncanny detail. Finishes sweet, subtle and long, with utterly seamless, fine-grained tannins. With its firm tannins and strong minerality, this should make a great dinner companion--but give it at least six or seven years in the cellar.

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Bright medium red, a bit less saturated than the Champans. Knockout nose combines musky red berries, spices, smoke, minerals and peppery herbs. Dense, suave and intensely flavored but a bit dominated today by its youthful tannic structure. But this very dry, classic, energetic wine leaves the taste buds quivering. This is really a remarkably fresh set of 2011s.

Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2011 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs has an accomplished, sophisticated, mineral-driven bouquet that echoes the nascent 2012. The palate is crisp and a little leafy on the entry, something just slightly autumnal about it. The tannins are firm and just a touch austere, but they are neatly embroidered into the black fruit profile. The finish exerts a pleasant grip and it lingers long in the mouth. This is a classy wine hemmed in by an average growing season. These 2011s were all tasted with Guillaume d'Angerville at the domaine in Volnay.

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2011 Volnay Clos des Ducs 1er Cru is showing extremely well. It is not the deepest in color and the bouquet demands some encouragement, but gradually reveals enticing smoke-infused red fruit, Earl Grey and earthy scents. Conservative and classic in style but very compelling. The palate is medium-bodied with an appealing, fleshy opening. There is a lovely suppleness to this Clos des Ducs with a persistent and seamless finish that flirts with ferrous-like notes on the aftertaste. Wonderful. Tasted at the annual Marquis d'Angerville tasting in London.
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.