Côte de Beaune Brilliance from Domaine Lafarge

One of the most unshowy but consistently excellent domaines in Burgundy is that of father Frédéric and daughter Clothilde Lafarge, in Volnay. The Lafarge family have long been established in the village, and are blessed with a number of the village's best Premiers Crus. Yet they also produce a good amount of white and reds from Beaune and Pommard.

The recipe does not involve anything radical in winemaking. Instead, it is the same story as so many of France's other great estates: meticulous viticulture, including using biodynamic practices (chickens in the vineyard!) to ensure the highest quality fruit. The resulting wines are silky, layered and aromatic, with an extended aging potential, albeit the wines are far more approachable in youth today than previously.

Among the whites, the Beaune Aigrots is the pick, outside the Meursault. For the reds, the family is most celebrated for the wonderful Volnay Clos des Chenes, but the Clos des Ducs and the Caillerets are close in quality. A word on nomenclature: any wine with 'l'Exception' or 'Vendanges Selectionées' is a parcel or barrel selection that stands above the rest. But really, pick a wine from Lafarge, and you are inviting pleasure.

A final reminder to join us this Thursday at our York Avenue store – enjoy 10% off purchases over $750 while discovering a curated selection of exceptional wines. Stop by early to taste a selection of open bottles and secure your favorites before they’re gone.