Volnay 1er Cru "Clos des Chênes" 2009, Bitouzet-Prieur

Given the consistently high quality of the wines and the large portfolio of premiers crus produced by Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur I am surprised that they are not held in higher regard. I certainly hold them in high regard and have never been disappointed. This 2009 Volnay 1er Cru has an aged foxy rim with a dense, dark red centre. Bouquet of raspberry, blood orange, it is fragrant and warm, there is cinnamon and vanilla. Charming. Second nose of gamey pigeon and cedar which reminds me of a superb main course at the Château d'Igé in the Mâconnais. Once imbibed this Volnay from the ripe 2009 vintage offers flavours of wild strawberry and raspberry. The Clos des Chênes is fairly high up the steep Volnay hillside and this possibly explains the underlying tangy sensation from ripe cranberry, citrus and red plum. This good acidity give the wine a lovely finesse and combined with the ripe fruit a caressing texture. Scores 90/100. A wonderful wine!