Volnay Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur 2019

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 2019 Volnay Village comes from several parcels, 45% from Les Achats, 45% Les Aussy and 10% Les Petit Garnets, the latter due to be pulled up this year. It has an attractive bouquet with pure red cherry and wild strawberry aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red fruit with a touch of bell pepper. I find this very stylish and full of tension, a very well crafted and delicious Volnay that comes highly recommended. 90-92pts Neal Martin, Vinous.