The 2014 Volnay Vendanges Sélectionnées from Domaine Michel Lafarge is a refined and elegant Pinot Noir from the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Sourced from multiple village-level parcels in Volnay, including Grands Champs, La Gigotte, Les Pluchots, and Ez Echards—all bordering Premier Cru vineyards—this cuvée is made only in years with sufficient yields from older vines (averaging 50 years old). The wine is crafted biodynamically, with minimal new oak (around 7%), emphasizing terroir and purity. It offers a complex nose of red berries (cherries, raspberries), floral notes (violets), and hints of earth, spice, and minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a chalky, mineral-driven finish, showcasing Volnay’s signature silkiness and finesse.
Food Pairings
This Volnay’s delicate yet structured profile pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted poultry (chicken, guinea fowl, or pheasant)
- Grilled or pan-seared salmon
- Mushroom dishes, such as porcini risotto or chanterelle tarts
- Beef dishes, like grilled entrecôte or beef bourguignon
- Soft cheeses (Époisses, Brie) or aged Comté
- Game dishes, such as venison or duck with cherry sauce
Its acidity and subtle tannins complement savory and earthy flavors, making it versatile for refined cuisines.
Critics’ Reviews
The 2014 vintage of Volnay Vendanges Sélectionnées has been well-regarded:
- CellarTracker: Averaged 91.2 points from 29 community reviews, with notes praising its elegance, red fruit purity, and mineral complexity.
- Wine Advocate (anticipated range): While specific reviews are subscription-based, similar Lafarge vintages score 89–92, with critics noting the wine’s precision, balance, and aging potential.
- General Commentary: Critics highlight the 2014 vintage in Burgundy for its freshness and clarity, with Lafarge’s Vendanges Sélectionnées often described as a “super village” cuvée due to its proximity to Premier Cru sites and concentrated old-vine fruit. Reviewers have called it “stunning” and “classically styled” with “charm and elegance.”(BBR)
Drink Window
The 2014 Volnay Vendanges Sélectionnées is approaching its peak in 2025 but has the structure to age further. Given its fine tannins and vibrant acidity, the drink window is approximately 2018–2026 for optimal fruit and freshness. Well-stored bottles may evolve gracefully through 2028–2030, developing earthy, truffle-like notes as the fruit softens. suggests drinking 2023–2031 for similar vintages, supporting this range.(BBR)
