Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru 2017

With slightly less structure but at the same time slightly silkier than Taillepieds, this is an excellent example of a suave and sophisticated Volnay from this prime plot. The nose is somewhat closed, but the palate is brilliant with rich red berries, silky, caressing tannins and a crisp, precise, lingering finish.

François is keen to highlight the importance of the solidarity shown by the Côte Vignerons at the end of April when everyone came together to burn wet straw bales and create a cloud cover to stave off the frost. Without such action, it could well have been another disastrous outcome. Having avoided this threat, the rest of the season was fairly straightforward with careful vineyard management and harvest began on August 30th.