Lafarge has a large parcel of nearly a hectare in the Clos des Chênes; it always makes an exceptional wine. Frédéric notes, ' In 2022, the terroirs are really apparent, which is not always the case in hot years.' He coaxes a wine of great richness from this special plot. The dark mulberry and cassis fruit is scented with exotic spices and a savoury, gamey note. The structure is firmly tannic but not astringent, and the finish goes on interminably. Age this ideally for at least five years before opening, and it will repay you with decades of pleasure.(CC)

Note: from 45+ year old vines that sit just above Champans. This is also quite spicy with its aromas of purple fruit, wet stone, newly turned earth and a floral top note. There is a completely different mouthfeel to the voluminous, powerful and serious larger-bodied soil-tinged flavors that also flash plenty of minerality on the built-to-age and gorgeously long finish. This is brawny, but brawny in a Volnaysien way, which is to say more gymnast than body builder!*Burghound Sweet Spot Outstanding!*

Frédéric Lafarge said, "This was entirely destemmed by hand. It took seven people twentyfive hours!" The TLC shows in the extreme fruit purity: boysenberries, sweet plums and red cherries abound. A dusting of baking spice mixes in, too, but otherwise there is no evident sign of oak influence.