Volnay Clos du Château des Ducs, Domaine Michel Lafarge 2005

This is coming along quite well though interesting the gentle touch of wood this displayed upon release is still present on the ripe yet cool and pure red berry liqueur-suffused nose that is displaying only a hint of secondary development. The intense minerality this wine consistently reveals is very much in evidence and it continues onto the vibrant, refined, pure and beautifully detailed flavors that are underpinned by a velvety mouth feel, firm tannins and an explosive finish. While this is clearly still on the way up it's not so far away from its peak that it couldn't be enjoyed now with 30 minutes or so of air.

**Note: from 50 year old vines; a monopole of the domaine**
A gentle touch of wood frames very ripe red berry liqueur aromas yet despite the ripeness, the dominating minerality of this appellation is in full display and it continues onto the rich, refined, pure and beautifully detailed flavors underpinned by a velvety mouth feel, firm tannins and an explosive finish. While I have always admired this classy wine for its understatement and purity, there is a bit more forcefulness to the overall impression and this is potentially the best Ducs in years.