2018 Domaine Jean-Marc et Thomas Bouley Pommard Les Fremiers Premier Cru

Thomas Bouley is very much the insiders secret, more famous with his fellow vignerons than with collectors chasing the next 'superstar' seen on social media. That Thomas resists putting his name on the front label of his wines (preferring to keep his father's) is typical of his humble and low key approach. Based in Volnay may also add to his relative anonymity, however we suspect this is changing rapidly as word gets out of just how spectacular his wines are, and of the continual improvement seen since he began working with his father in the early 2000's.

Meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and winery are notable here, and key to why Thomas is so highly regarded by his peers. Yields are moderate, and in the cellar whole cluster ferments are used more with his clay rich sites (Pommard Fremiers, Volnay Clos des Chenes), while those with thin white soils (Pommard Rugiens-Hauts, Volnay Caillerets) are largely destemmed. New oak use is minimal, and each wine spend two winters on fine lees before bottling.

Other Reviews....
Ripe, fresh and appealingly layered aromas of various red and black raspberry, spice and earth give way to focused, intense and concentrated big-bodied flavors display impressive power and persistence on the youthfully austere finale. This too is clearly constructed for the long-term, so patience is definitely advised. Drink 2033+.
91-93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

Rich and gourmand, the 2018 Pommard 1er Cru Les Fremiers has gained in aromatic range since I tasted it last year, mingling aromas of wild berries and plums with hints of peonies, musk, blood orange and exotic spices. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, its velvety tannins are entirely concealed in a lavish core of fruit that's girdled by lively acids. Concluding with a long, perfumed finish, it continues to be immensely promising. Drink 2028 - 2055.
95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2021)

The 2018 Pommard les Fremiers 1er Cru is located just below the lieu-dit of Les Rugiens-Bas at the bottom part of the slope, on red soils. Its 43-year-old vines tend to produce small bunches. It has a well-defined bouquet with red berry fruit, dark chocolate and truffle aromas emerging from the glass. The palate is very well balanced with fine-grained, quite rigid tannins at the moment, in keeping with the Pommard style. Excellent freshness here, and a precise finish. Superb. Drink 2022 - 2035.
91-93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Just below Rugiens-bas. Light red soil. Medium deep crimson in colour, with quite a lifted nose, some whole bunch I think - 50% stems it turns out. Deep dark cherries, prettily perfumed, helps provide energy all the way through. Fine long finish. Interestingly, the stems take away the Pommard and leave the Fremiers!
91-94 points
Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy