Jasper Morris MW describes Champans as "quintessential Volnay". This is a very old vineyard recorded as far back as 1252. It produces one of the communes best wines.
Marc-Olivier Buffet remarked that he had his doubts about the freshness of the Champans early on but that with time, it regained its acidity. This crisp character is perhaps due partly to the one third whole clusters in the ferment, which don’t increase acidity but give a similar impression. The result is impressive, with ripe, plummy fruit and notes of earth and smoke on the attack. The texture is firm and tannic, with abundant concentration and length. It is an effort worthy of the site, among the best in Volnay. Drink 2027-2045. 94 Points
The 2022 Volnay Champans 1er Cru, which contains one-third whole bunches, has a more tertiary, slightly peppery nose, the fruit a little darker than Carelles, for example. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly grainy tannins, beautifully balanced with a lingering, fleshy, quintessentially Volnay finish. Irresistible. (Drink between 2025-2045). 92-94 Points
