Charles Ballot often uses 30 to 50% whole bunch for Les Charmots but not in 2018. Three small plots make 6 barrels in a normal year, from a fine selection of pinot with some age (50 to 65 years). Medium deep purple, with some elegance to the nose and a bit more weight of fruit than the Volnay Santenots. Delicious perfume with some cherry notes, a very slight bitterness. Picked at the right time. Indeed Charles picked this earlier in the series than usual, a good idea.

This is aromatically quite similar to the Santenots though the partial whole cluster vinification adds a floral top note. There is equally good volume to the medium-bodied flavors though not quite the same vibrancy on the textured, complex and ever-so-mildly rustic finish where a hint of bitter pit fruit arises.