Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur - Volnay 1er Cru “Les Aussy” 2020 (375ml)
Price: $69.99
| Producer | Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur |
| Country | France |
| Region | Burgundy |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 205239 |
| Size | 375ml |
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Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Description
A committed classicist, Vincent Bitouzet has provided us with over thirty-years worth of structured, demanding, age-worthy, satisfying wines, both red and white, from the heart of the Cote de Beaune. Based in Volnay and blessed with extensive holdings in Meursault as well, this domaine is a tried and true standard bearer for all that is fundamentally good and sound in Burgundy: conscientious and sensitive work in the vineyards, respect above all for the specific character of each lieu-dit, patience and attention to detail in the cellar, and a commitment to producing wines of depth and, of critical importance, longevity. To truly understand great white and red burgundy, one must wait for these grand expressions of terroir to mature to reveal their splendor and spectacular nuance.
Vincent Bitouzet's ancestral roots in Burgundy cover at least the last two centuries. His great-great grandfather, M. Gillotte, arrived in Auxey Duresses in 1802 and was mayor of that village. In 1804, the Bitouzet line settled in Volnay. The Bitouzets were one of the first of the family domaines in this region to bottle their wines. Vincent's grandfather had already garnered medals for his winemaking talents in 1860. Vincent's wife, Annie Prieur, has equally distinguished antecedents. Her family (both Prieurs and Perronnets) was long established in Meursault and Ladoix. The resulting "merger" of the Bitouzet and Prieur family holdings has created a domaine of distinction and breadth. Francois Bitouzet, the only son of Vincent and Annie, is now working hand-in-hand with his parents as he maintains the deep Burgundian roots of his ancestors.
Bitouzet owns 0.5 hectares of Pinot Noir in this vineyard (incorporated into neighboring Le Ronceret since 2006) which sits just below En Champans on the slope; half was planted in 1948, and the other half in 1998. With its pretty spice element, elegant floral notes, and taut red fruits, this cuvée offers a supple, silken texture and subdued tannins—a quintessential Volnay, and the most open and approachable of François’s premier crus.
Burghound: 90-92 Points
This too is brooding and only grudgingly reveals its aromas of somber red and dark currant, forest floor and anise. The refined, delicious and punchy medium-bodied flavors also possess very good richness and solid mid-palate volume while displaying hints of austerity and warmth on the moderately structured finale. Here too at least some patience would definitely be beneficial.
Vinous: 89 Points
The 2020 Volnay Les Aussy ler Cru comes across as a little smudged on the nose due to the warm summer, quite high-toned with just a hint of VA. It seems to deteriorate in the glass. The palate is sweet and plush, with bitter red cherries, white pepper and tobacco, cohering towards the finish so that it actually ends on a high note.
