Domaine Joseph Voillot

This domaine has been producing wine now for five generations, but it is since the present owner, Jean Pierre Charlot, son-in-law of Joseph Voillot, took control that it has moved into the league of serious wine producers. The domaine consists of 10ha of vineyards, with holdings in the top vineyards of both Volnay and Pommard, including some prized sites in several 1er Crus. The grapes are partially destemmed and the wines matured in oak barrels (20-35% new) for 12-18 months.

The colour is black and oily, and the nose is impressive - full frontal and powerfully jammy, with a distinct strawberry quality that is the signature of Champans. This perfumed nose leads to a rich and intense mouthfeel, heavily textured and showing succulent sweet red fruits, mineral layers, ripe and gripping tannins and a brooding and powerful finish that becomes almost beguiling as it loses intensity. A pure joy – notably good.

Try with rack of lamb with Pinot Noir infused honey and rosemary sauce, or herbed lamb chops.

Jancis Robinson, 2022, 17.5 points "Cask sample. Mid cherry. Peppery dark-red fruit. Marked acidity, just enough flesh to balance. A tight, energetic and sinewy wine that becomes more and more scented in the glass. This builds to a real beauty of balance, it is tight, fine-boned, delicious and not to be rushed."