2021 Domaine Lucien Boillot Volnay, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Pierre Boillot inherited the Domaine from his father Lucien, and set about revitalizing the soils and vines in all of their vineyards. In the cellar, he focuses on making transparent, terroir-driven wines of purity and finesse... but doesn't mind some rich lushness on occasion! His Volnay is from vines planted in 1958, with destemmed fruit, cold-soaked for 3-5 days, and fermented naturally for 18-21 days in enamel and stainless steel with twice-daily punch downs. Aged 16-18 months in maximum 30% new French oak, unfined and unfiltered. Fruit-forward, juicy and full, but not blowsy, perfect for drinking without delay.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Pierre Boillot is a rare master of both the Côtes de Beaune and the Côtes de Nuits–not only does he have the vineyards but also the savoir-faire and skill. Pierre inherited this domaine from his father Lucien, whose name it still carries. Pierre worked together with his brother Louis for years, but a few years ago they parted ways and split up the family holdings. Pierre’s talent has become much more evident as he has had full control over this domaine, and in addition to retaining the original cellars in Gevrey-Chambertin, Pierre has instituted a rigorous revitalizing of the soils and vines in all of his vineyards.

Pierre inherited very old vines from his father in the Côtes de Nuits and from his great-grandfather Henri Boillot, who was originally from Volnay, in the Côtes de Beaune. Many of his vineyards are under-appreciated treasures: Volnay Les Angles, which was originally classified as one of the top premier cru sites in Volnay in the 19th century, Pommard Croix Noires right below Rugiens, Gevrey Cherbaudes right next to Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru and Gevrey Corbeaux right next to Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru. Every wine is a classic representation of its appellation–from Volnay and Pommard to Gevrey and Nuits-Saint-Georges, as Pierre’s work in the cellars is geared towards transparent, terroir-driven wines of purity and finesse. He is not, however, against a rich, plump, lusciousness in his reds.