We a fantastic late release of Clos de Chenes today at this low pricing. As we have mentioned before, Bitouzet-Prieur is a timeless example of Burgundy in both colors, and the 2020 Clos de Chenes is one of the best Volnays ever made here. The wines are classic but not rustic, age-worthy but not excruciatingly tannic. They are subtle, understated, terroir-driven versions of Meursault and Volnay. Vincent Bitouzet is a fantastic winemaker with an old-school flair. The wines always receive better notes than numbers (though this year is an exception), and we think the absence of critical hype has kept them a nice little secret all these years for those who like classic Burgundy. They own beautiful holdings in viable parcels like the Volnay Clos de Chenes, which we have today, which comes from two parcels, one from the mid-slope, which has browner soils, and the other from higher up on the slope featuring whiter soils. Both Were planted between 1976 and 1986, totaling just over half a hectare. The Clos de Chenes is the best red that Bitouzet Prieur makes and carries with it a strong sense of Volnay. It has a noticeable contrast between its vibrant acidity, intense aromas, and rich fruitiness. Overall, it is very elegant, and it is the most energetic red wine in the Bitouzet collection. This wine does so well with time in the cellar and is only going to get better with time. It is one of the best buys of the vintage for Premier Cru Red Burgundy, and it's not to be missed at this low pricing!
Vinous (Neil Martin) 93 points! "The 2020 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a fruit-driven bouquet, more red fruit here, and a touch of cassis. It is a little opulent, but it is controlled and focused. The oak is also nicely integrated. This is quite a complex Volnay. It shows a fine grip without the heaviness of other wines in this flight. The acidity maintains freshness and nerve. It becomes spicy/peppery towards the finish with a lengthy tail that delivers the sapidity you expect. Good potential. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. (Drink between 2024-2044)"
Jasper Morris MW (Inside Burgundy) 93 points! "A rich ebullient purple. The fruit is perhaps a little on the sunnier side, some plums and ripe cherries, which are less typical Volnay descriptors. A firm and muscular finish, though the quality of the fruit is both impressive and not atypical of Volnay. Some pepperiness enhances the finish."
Burghound 91-94 points! "The 2020 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a fruit-driven bouquet, more red fruit here, and a touch of cassis. It is a little opulent, but it is controlled and focused. The oak is also nicely integrated. This is quite a complex Volnay. It shows a fine grip without the heaviness of other wines in this flight. The acidity maintains freshness and nerve. It becomes spicy/peppery towards the finish with a lengthy tail that delivers the sapidity you expect. Good potential. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. (Drink between 2024-2044)"
2020 Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes Eta 1-2-2025
2020 Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes Eta 1-2-2025
We a fantastic late release of Clos de Chenes today at this low pricing. As we have mentioned before, Bitouzet-Prieur is a timeless example of Burgundy in both colors, and the 2020 Clos de Chenes is one of the best Volnays ever made here. The wines are classic but not rustic, age-worthy but not excruciatingly tannic. They are subtle, understated, terroir-driven versions of Meursault and Volnay. Vincent Bitouzet is a fantastic winemaker with an old-school flair. The wines always receive better notes than numbers (though this year is an exception), and we think the absence of critical hype has kept them a nice little secret all these years for those who like classic Burgundy. They own beautiful holdings in viable parcels like the Volnay Clos de Chenes, which we have today, which comes from two parcels, one from the mid-slope, which has browner soils, and the other from higher up on the slope featuring whiter soils. Both Were planted between 1976 and 1986, totaling just over half a hectare. The Clos de Chenes is the best red that Bitouzet Prieur makes and carries with it a strong sense of Volnay. It has a noticeable contrast between its vibrant acidity, intense aromas, and rich fruitiness. Overall, it is very elegant, and it is the most energetic red wine in the Bitouzet collection. This wine does so well with time in the cellar and is only going to get better with time. It is one of the best buys of the vintage for Premier Cru Red Burgundy, and it's not to be missed at this low pricing!
Vinous (Neil Martin) 93 points! "The 2020 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a fruit-driven bouquet, more red fruit here, and a touch of cassis. It is a little opulent, but it is controlled and focused. The oak is also nicely integrated. This is quite a complex Volnay. It shows a fine grip without the heaviness of other wines in this flight. The acidity maintains freshness and nerve. It becomes spicy/peppery towards the finish with a lengthy tail that delivers the sapidity you expect. Good potential. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. (Drink between 2024-2044)"
Jasper Morris MW (Inside Burgundy) 93 points! "A rich ebullient purple. The fruit is perhaps a little on the sunnier side, some plums and ripe cherries, which are less typical Volnay descriptors. A firm and muscular finish, though the quality of the fruit is both impressive and not atypical of Volnay. Some pepperiness enhances the finish."
Burghound 91-94 points! "The 2020 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has a fruit-driven bouquet, more red fruit here, and a touch of cassis. It is a little opulent, but it is controlled and focused. The oak is also nicely integrated. This is quite a complex Volnay. It shows a fine grip without the heaviness of other wines in this flight. The acidity maintains freshness and nerve. It becomes spicy/peppery towards the finish with a lengthy tail that delivers the sapidity you expect. Good potential. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. (Drink between 2024-2044)"
Related Products
