2001 Potel, Chambolle-Musigny:
Identifiably Chambolle on the nose; tart black fruit with red fruit accents and slightly disjointed on the palate with good structure, some depth of flavor, fairly open and good persistence. Probably needs a couple years to come together but I doubt it will ever be a “classy” wine. About $30.

2001 Bouchard Père et Fils, Volnay Caillerets, Ancienne Cuvée Carnot:
Less open and more black fruit than the Chambolle but also showing a breed and class well beyond it; quite structured at the moment, some sweet fruit tones but not a lot of flavor; decent length. Obviously requiring cellar time and I’m not sure doing so will be worth the wait. About $25.

2003 Sang des Cailloux, Vacqueyras Cuvée Azalaïs:
Medium light aromas of plum and spice; black fruit, salt and spice on the palate which is surprisingly light on its feet, good concentration, some complexity and a mineral driven finish. This is 14% alcohol and you would never know it; not on the nose and certainly not on the palate. Savory, satisfying, $20 and superb with pork roast.

2003 Wirra Wirra Vineyards, Chardonnay Scrubby Rise:
Clean, crisp, well-made, ripe chardonnay that never saw any wood. Refreshing, pairs well with lighter fare, varietally correct and worth buying in quantity at $12.

2002 J. Drouhin, Volnay:
Within the context of Drouhin’s restrained style, this is almost flamboyant; pretty aromatics of mostly red fruit; very succulent and sweet fruit in the mouth with little concentration or depth, some intensity and structure and good balance; medium finish. This is more about pinot noir than Volnay, and it’s full of baby fat. Whether this will cellar is anybody’s guess but why bother – its lip-smackingly delicious now. About $20.

Thanks for the notes Jim. I love the Bouchard in 1999 and 2002, but 2001 seemed to be hail affected for many of the producers, and not up to the usual quality for Volnay.