Lafarge

Michel Lafarge, now in his eighties, and his son Frédéric make use of their combined experience top produce some of the greatest Burgundy wines in Volnay. There is nothing modern in their winemaking, though the meticulous care of their biodynamically farmed vineyards puts the domaine at the forefront of viticultural practices. When they are working one  patch of vines they are usually accompanied by their hens who eat up any little pests which may be lurking!

They have around 10 hectares of vines and own some of the very best sites in Volnay. The vines are mature but not excessively old and yields are low without being draconian. There is very little new oak used, and the current mix is 5% new oak, with the balance of 2-to 5-year-old wood. The wines are handled as seldom as possible, with only a couple of rackings, a light fining and rarely any filtration.

The Lafarge domaine is run very much by instinct and respect for the terroir, with no sense of imposition and with biodynamic techniques. The wines are allowed to speak for themselves and are wonderfully fragrant, complex and harmonious - the essence of great Volnay. JASPER MORRIS MW

Michel Lafarge, who passed away earlier this year, is one of the truly great masters of Volnay and, with his son, have led the region in quality for decades now. Their success is based on their extensive holdings in the best parcels of land, meticulous farming, little new wood and a gentle hand. The wines are sublime and with appropriate age are some of the most joyful expressions of the region one could hope to drink. ROSCOE