At a glance

Producer

Domaine des Comtes Lafon

Region

Volnay, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150-$250

Tasting profile

Ripe red cherry, raspberry, floral notes with underlying earthy and forest floor aromas; silky texture with balanced freshness.

Evolution: With time, notes will deepen to include mushroom, leather, truffle, and slight game complexity.

At peak: A complex, harmonious wine displaying nuanced aromatics and a long, refined finish.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high, typical of top Volnay Premier Cru with good freshness

Tannins

Fine-grained and well-integrated but still firm

Alcohol

Approximately 13.0-13.5%

Aging potential

Excellent aging potential of 20-30+ years due to balance of acidity, tannins, and provenance

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2041

Optimal window

2024 to 2044

Current status

Approaching early maturity, suitable for drinking with some cellaring potential remaining

Current condition

The wine is developing vibrant fruit and earthy complexity but will benefit from several more years of aging

The 2016 vintage was excellent in Burgundy, allowing a long aging curve. Also, Clos des Chênes is a highly regarded Premier Cru site in Volnay known for finesse and complexity, enabling extended cellaring with graceful development.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with roasted duck, game birds, mushroom risotto, coq au vin, and soft cheeses like Époisses or Camembert.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To allow primary aromas to emerge and soften tannins for early drinking

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Focuses on minimal intervention, responsible water use, energy-efficient winery operations, and selective hand harvesting

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Domaine des Comtes Lafon employs several sustainable practices supporting environmental stewardship and quality. Their traditional Burgundian methods focus on terroir expression with respect to ecology.