2017 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Volnay Santenots du Milieu Premier Cru

Other Reviews....
A super-fresh if somewhat brooding nose is comprised by notes of essence of red pinot fruit, spice and lavender that really helped from being in a decanter for 30 minutes first. The succulent and reasonably concentrated medium weight flavors exude a subtle minerality before concluding in a compact, powerful, complex and impressively persistent finish. This seems to have put on weight since I last reviewed it and I like the overall sense of harmony and balance. In sum, this is evolving nicely though I underscore that it still needs at least another 5 or so years. In a word, lovely. Try from 2027+.
93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots-du-Milieu confirms its strong showing from barrel, soaring from the glass with scents of ripe cherries, red berries, rose petals, orange rind and a deft touch of toasty new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with melting tannins, succulent acids and a charming, supple profile that makes it hard to resist. Drink 2022-2040.
93 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Jan 10, 2020)

The 2017 Volnay Les Santenots-du-Milieu 1er Cru was opened by Dominique Lafon just because he wanted to compare with the ensuing two vintages. Who was I to stop him? It is very different in style from those vintages: redder fruit, more transparency, charming, and it wears its heart on its sleeve. The palate is full of slightly peppery red berry fruit, saline and spicy with good grip and a long raspberry and wild strawberry finish. So unbelievably drinkable, even at this early stage you’ll finish bottle. Drink 2023-2040.
94 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Dominique thinks this may be THE vintage of the recent past, even at 55 hl/ha. This view may be conditioned by having just lived through making the third hot dry vintage in a row. The 2017 may be a fraction lighter in colour, but it is really haunting in its fruit, superbly balanced, medium density, a crisp tannin or two right at the back and now here comes the fruit again. I see what Dominique means – certainly if you want to drink in the medium-term future.
94 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy