Volnay Premier Cru Pitures Domaine Bitouzet Prieur 2021

Description

The marriage of Vincent Bitouzet and Anne Prieur created this domaine with a stellar range of vineyards across Volnay and Meursault. There are holdings in almost all the prime sites: Taillepieds, Caillerets and Clos des Chênes in Volnay and Charmes and Perrières in Meursault, among others. It’s their only son, François, who has inherited this wonderful range. Viticulture and winemaking are sensitively handled: there have been no herbicides across the domaine since 1993, and organic viticulture is practised though not certified. Until now, François had to juggle his workload between cellars in Meursault for the white wines, and the lovely family home in Volnay for the reds. From the 2019 vintage, he has a brand spanking new winery on the outskirts of Meursault, with a customised cuverie, and temperature- and humidity-controlled maturation cellars all under one roof. Without doubt, these developments will further empower François and add even greater precision to an already impressive range.

The 2021 Volnay Les Pitures 1er Cru probably owns the most satisfying aromatics from a difficult set of reds from the Domaine: redcurrant and white tipped strawberry and a touch of sous-bois. There is a tad more fruit intensity here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline, structured and a little lean on the finish, yet it still offers more depth than the Clos des Chênes or Taillepieds. Drink 2024 - 2035. Neal Martin, Vinous.