2019 Domaine Jean-Marc et Thomas Bouley Volnay Clos des Chenes 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....
The 2019 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes has turned out especially well. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of raspberries, pomegranate, sweet spices, licorice and rose petals, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, its velvety attack segueing into a deep and voluminous core of fruit that's framed by lively acids and unusually refined tannins for this site. This is one of the most elegant and compelling Clos des Chêne that Bouley has produced to date. Drink 2029 - 2060.
95 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

The 2019 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru offers darker fruit on the nose compared to Bouley's other cuvées, touches of blackberry, wilted rose petals and crushed stone. The terroir really shines through. The palate is framed by filigree tannins that impart a silky texture, almost languorous on the finish that lingers. A sensual offering. Drink 2024-2048.
93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous