The 1986 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs, from a challenging Burgundy season, is rather simple and monotone on the nose with leathery red fruit and a touch of over-ripe orange. The palate is pleasant with adequate freshness, but it is as if a combination of the growing season and passing time have stripped this duke of his robes and left a rather ordinary wine in its place. In this vertical, the 1986 is shown up.