91+ 1999 Hospices de Beaune Volnay 1er Cru Cuvee Blondeau 1/21/07 ($40 in Germany) Taillepieds and Champans combination
Color: Pretty deep Burgundy robe with a touch of onion skin at the rim. (3.5) Bouquet: Carmelized green apple with nuances of elegant, aged Madeira and hints of white truffle and cinnamon. A little reserved at present. (3.0) Body: Excellent fruit, acidity and complexity. A more traditional style. Very well balanced and a very solid middleweight. (3.0) Flavor: Green apple and dried figs with some elegant oak and a touch of alcohol. A very interesting montage of flavors in an elegant, persistent package. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor. Needs a little more time. (3.0)
Overall: A beautiful Volnay that is just a little young. Started to open after 1+ hours in decanter. It’s not as fine as the ’83, the only other example of this I’ve had and the greatest Volnay I’ve ever had, but this could improve significantly in the next 2+ years. (15.5)