2010 Domaine Henri Boillot Volnay 1er Cru "Les Fremiets" (750ml)

Good full red. Redcurrant and spices on the nose, with hints of smoke, game and tobacco. A step up in intensity and concentration from the Chevrets, with enticing sweetness leavened by medicinal reserve. Beautifully balanced wine with a firm spine of building tannins and the fresh acidity to ensure a long life in bottle. Very long on the aftertaste. (ST) 94+ (1/2013)

The 2010 Volnay Les Fremiets is impressive for its sheer richness and concentration. Dark cherries, cola, mocha, licorice and tar literally explode from the glass in this full-bodied, opulent Burgundy. Even with its super-ripe, almost extreme expression of fruit, there is more than enough minerality to provide balance. The Fremiets is not for the faint of heart, but it is a beautiful wine in its own way. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. (AG)  (1/2012)

This was noticeably reduced and I strongly advise decanting it if you're going to try an example young. By contrast there is good vivacity to the detailed and pure middle weight flavors that are shaped by extremely fine tannins that are notably more structured than the villages. At present, the flavor profile is quite compact and firm and this will require at least 10 years to be at its best and 12 would not surprise me.   (1/2012)