Volnay Domaine Fernand & Laurent Pillot 2022
Red 14% ABV ABV Fernand & Laurent PillotThis is the good stuff
I've been getting more into Burgundy lately and this Volnay is exactly why. So much going on — flowers, red berries, a bit of spice. Full bodied at 14% but doesn't taste boozy at all. Genuinely impressed for a village-level wine.
Proper Burgundy without the silly price
The guy at my local wine shop steered me toward this when I said I wanted a good Burgundy under £60. It's really well balanced — fruity but not jammy, with enough structure to keep things interesting. Would definitely buy again for a nice weekend dinner.
Great Friday night wine
Picked this up after reading about it online. Poured a glass with some cheese and charcuterie and it was spot on. Really pretty nose — kind of floral and fruity — and smooth enough to just keep sipping. The tannins are gentle, nothing harsh at all.
Birthday treat that delivered
Bought this for my 40th birthday dinner and wow, glad I did. Really expressive red fruit on the nose — you could smell it before the glass even hit the table. Silky and generous without being heavy. At £55 it's not cheap but felt special enough for the occasion.
Decent, expected a bit more complexity
Had this at a restaurant and thought it was pleasant enough to track down a bottle. It's clean and well made with nice red fruit, but on the second glass I found it a bit straightforward. The finish is polite rather than exciting. Not bad by any means, just not a standout for me.
Went down a storm at our dinner party
Opened this alongside a slow-cooked lamb shoulder and it was a perfect match. Really clean red fruit flavours and a lovely smooth finish. Everyone kept asking what it was. Give it half an hour to breathe first though, it really opens up.
Good but not quite worth the price
Nice wine, don't get me wrong. Lovely floral nose and smooth tannins. But at nearly £55 I was hoping for something a bit more memorable. It's solid village Burgundy but I've had bottles at £35 that got me just as excited.
Punches above its weight
My partner got me this for Valentine's and we split it over a steak dinner. For a village Volnay this has real depth to it. Ripe fruit, fine tannins, clean finish that hangs around nicely. The 2022 vintage seems to have done something right here. Would happily have another bottle on the shelf.