Blain Gagnard 1er Cru Volnay Champans 2006
Cork, $120

I am an unabashed fan of the Blain Gagnard whites. Powerful, delicious, beautifully defined full bodied white wines. This is my first experience however with their red vins.

A bright strawberry red cordial colour with light edges, the nose is initially quite pretty, with red strawberry & cherry fruits & smoky, stalky licorice overtones. The palate is a little raw and assertive, with acid that pokes out on the back palate, but its not unbalanced. It really needs about 5 years in the bottle to come together as there is little pleasure at present, but I think that nose holds alot of promise. 16.8++