3.5 barrels from 35 year old vines. A deep purple centre with crimson rim. High class Volnay on the nose, a level of class superior to the preceding premiers crus. Some rose petals and peonies in the bouquet as well as red fruit. A beautiful aftertaste, this time with some concentrated brisk red cherries and even a little breadstick note. Pure and fine.
92-94 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy (Nov 2021)
The 2020 Volnay Champans 1er Cru comes from a single parcel. This has an overtly floral bouquet with wilted rose petal and iris flower permeating the vivacious red fruit, perhaps one of the aromatics from Bouley that exhibit the most clarity. The palate is very well balanced, intense rather than powerful with a silver bead of acidity, very spicy towards the finish where there is a touch of reduction, touches of pain d’épices on the finish. This has almost 15° alcohol but it does seem to carry it well.
91-93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Dec 2021)
This is also brooding but fresh with a layered nose of fresh red and dark pinot fruit cut with pretty spice and floral whiffs. There is both good vibrancy and delineation to the attractively textured mineral-suffused flavors that culminate in a linear, youthfully austere and chalky finish. At least some patience will be necessary as this is quite tightly wound. *Outstanding*
92 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound (Apr 2022)
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