Reviews & Scores
Even after 12 years of age this remains very deeply colored. As the color would suggest there is only a whisper of secondary character to the magnificently pure and airy essence of notably ripe dark pinot fruit, cassis and spice-infused nose. The concentrated and very dense mineral-driven and large-scaled flavors are shaped by buried but still very firm tannins on the hugely long finish where the only nit is a hint of warmth. 2005 is not an especially elegant vintage for the Clos des Ducs but the potential here is quite simply remarkable and in fact this is going to continue to require extended patience. In a word, brilliant. - BH
BH96April 2017
The nose is very expressive, with plenty of primary fruit along with notes of cinnamon and clove. As expected, this is extremely tannic and tight, with great weight and density. Huge concentration of fruit, along with an underlying mineral note. Very complete and pure, but I wouldn’t touch this for another eight or ten years. Guillaume d’Angerville, however thinks it might be starting to open. (JM) - VM
VM95July 2016
A little reticent, showing subtle cherry and berry notes on a dense, rich profile. Peppery and vibrant, with sweet fruit, solid tannins and a long, long finish. Everything is in the right proportion, but this needs time. *Collectible* (BS) - WS
WS94May 2008
The d’Angerville 2005 Volnay Clos des Ducs displays even more obvious structure than the Champans as well as concentration and complexity than the Taillepieds. Deep, rich meatiness, juicy fresh black fruits, bitter-sweet chocolate richness, ginger and cardamom, and chalky minerality are present throughout. This displays enough inner-mouth perfume and fineness of flavor to hold one’s interest and release one’s saliva for an extended period. Fine-grained and finely-integrated tannins are part of this wine’s tenacious cling. It will surely figure as one of the best in a long and distinguished line and be worth following for 15-20 years. (DS) - WA
WA95June 2007