Louis Jadot Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre 2011

Winery Background:

Maison Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy’s most respected and long-standing producers, founded in 1859. The winery produces a wide range of wines across Burgundy, with a focus on both red and white wines that express the terroir of their individual vineyards. Volnay is a village in the Côte de Beaune known for producing some of the most elegant and perfumed Pinot Noirs in Burgundy.

The Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre is a monopole (single-owner) vineyard owned entirely by Louis Jadot, making this wine unique to the estate. The vineyard is located near the village of Volnay and benefits from a prime location on the mid-slope, which allows the vines to thrive in the well-draining, limestone-rich soils.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Bright ruby red with slight garnet reflections.

• Nose: The nose is expressive with elegant aromas of red berries like cherry, raspberry, and red currant, combined with floral notes of violet and rose petals. There’s also a subtle touch of spice, earth, and a hint of oak.

• Palate: On the palate, this wine is silky and delicate, yet structured, with fine tannins. The fruit profile includes ripe cherries, cranberries, and raspberries, balanced by earthy undertones and a light spice element. The wine has good acidity, which gives it freshness and a long, mineral-driven finish.

• Aging Potential: This wine can be enjoyed young for its vibrant fruit, but it also has the structure to age for 10-15 years, during which it will develop more complexity and depth.

Wine Pairing:

Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre pairs exceptionally well with a range of dishes due to its balance of elegance and structure:

• Game: Roast duck, pheasant, or venison.

• Poultry: Chicken with mushroom sauce or coq au vin.

• Pork: Pork tenderloin or roast pork with herbs.

• Mushroom-based dishes: Risotto or pasta with wild mushrooms.

• Cheese: Semi-hard cheeses like Comté or soft, ripe cheeses like Brie.

Scores:

• Wine Spectator: 93 points

• Wine Enthusiast: 94 points

• Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate): 92 points

• James Suckling: 94 points

The Louis Jadot Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre is an elegant, refined Burgundy Pinot Noir that beautifully expresses the finesse of the Volnay terroir. It is a wine that can be enjoyed in its youth or aged to further enhance its complexity.