2022 Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot Premier Cru

Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils is one of the most respected names in Burgundy, yet despite their renown, it seems the market has not yet fully appreciated just how good the wines currently being produced are. They are the largest owner of Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy, this includes prized plots such as Montrachet, Chevalier Montrachet, Chambertin, Bonnes Mares, and Meursault Perrieres.

Founded in 1731, the subsequent nine generations of the Bouchard family has amassed an impressive 130ha of vineyards, including nearly 100 separate climats. It's perhaps this large size, contrasting the current trend for tiny producers with a cult following that has meant Bouchard are not front and centre in the minds of many Burgundy drinkers. A true shame as Bouchard are making some of the best wines in their history.

Other reviews....
Here too there is a liqueur-like quality to the black cherry aromas that are nuanced by floral and spice hints. The caressing yet intense and beautifully detailed middleweight flavors brim with both minerality and dry extract that carry over to the dusty, moderately austere and affirmatively built-to-age finish. This is one exceptionally classy wine, indeed the mouthfeel is pure silk. Buy it. Drink through 2034+.
92-95 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2022 Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets Ancienne Cuvée Carnot is showing especially well, bursting with aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with spices, rose petals and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and concentrated, it's pure and ethereal, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a long, saline finish.
92-94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Jan 19, 2024)

The 2022 Volnay Les Caillerets Ancienne Cuvée Carnot 1er Cru has a nicely detailed bouquet with black cherries, raspberry coulis, wild mint and a touch of dark chocolate emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and modest weight, very nicely balanced with a smooth, coca-tinged finish. It will need 4-5 years to absorb the 30% new oak. Drink 2025-2038.
90-92 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

A small yield in 2022, making it hard to judge the picking date. A rich deep purple in the centre. The oak adds a sheen to the nose. There is vigour to this albeit with a slightly riper fruit profile, but the structure is balanced very well by a fresher limestone feel. Drink from 2029-2036.
91-93 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy

The parcel of Volnay Caillerets was the first Pinot picked in 2022 due to the thin soils and superficial nature of the limestone. The wine has an alluring aroma of blackberry and mulberry fruit with hints of boxwood, bay leaf, and peonies. The texture is supple and velvety, with rewarding concentration and density. The team at Bouchard sorts rigorously for 'figuée', grapes shrivelled by sunburn; technical director Frédéric Weber says success depends on 'keeping it crunchy'. This wine should open soon after release and is suited to mid-term cellaring, although a 1962 from this vineyard tasted this year was still fresh. Drink 2025-2050.
95 points
Charles Curtis MW - Decanter