The 2017 Volnay Les Ausseys 1er Cru has an opulent bouquet with just a touch of VA. This is trying too hard to impress, and the oak speaks over the terroir. The well-defined palate delivers tart red berry fruit, cranberry and raspberry, turning saline toward the finish. There is a pleasant pepperiness throughout this Volnay, though it does not exude complexity. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.