The 1996 Volnay Santenots du Milieu 1er Cru from Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a Burgundy of exceptional finesse, elegance, and structure, expressing the outstanding characteristics of the Santenots du Milieu terroir. The 1996 vintage in Burgundy was characterized by a pronounced acidity combined with excellent grape ripeness, giving this wine remarkable longevity and freshness.

The nose unfolds a complex bouquet of red fruits such as cherries, raspberries, and red currants, complemented by floral notes of violets and roses, as well as hints of undergrowth and spices. With increasing maturity, earthy tones, leather, and a hint of truffle come to the fore, further enhancing the complexity of the wine.

On the palate, the Volnay Santenots du Milieu 1996 reveals an elegant, taut structure. The acidity lends the wine freshness and precision, while the tannins are fine and well-integrated. The fruit is ripe but always elegant, with a pronounced minerality that reflects its chalky soils. The finish is long, refined, and complex, with a balance between freshness, fruit, and the earthy, spicy nuances that make the wine an exceptional representative of this Premier Cru site.

This wine is at an excellent point of maturity, but has the potential to evolve even further. Today, it offers a fascinating drinking experience that impressively reflects the typical elegance and depth of the Domaine des Comtes Lafon wines.