2018 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....
Ripe yet appealingly cool aromas are comprised by notes of red and dark raspberry, plum and violet. The impressively rich, powerful and muscular large-scaled flavors display evident minerality on the robust, serious and long finish. This is a classic Clos des Chênes that is built to reward long-term cellaring. Drink 2033+.
91-93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes is showing well, unwinding in the glass with aromas of wild berries, plums, dark chocolate, potpourri and rich soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular, with a deep, tightly wound core that's built around succulent acids and fine, powdery tannins, this will reward a decade's patience. Drink 2028 - 2055.
93+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2021)

The 2018 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru comes from 45- to 65-year-old vines in a more exposed location than the Les Carelles, at 300m altitude. This year it includes 40% whole cluster. It has more complexity and precision on the nose by comparison with the Les Carelles, featuring lovely raspberry and wild strawberry fruit laced with crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. A finely tuned, precise Volnay with superb precision on the finish. This comes highly recommended. Drink 2022 - 2045.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Dense purple centre. A high-class nose, albeit quite discreet at first. Thomas felt that his Clos des Chênes used to be on the massive side before he tamed it with some whole bunch vinification. This has the most significant volume of fruit of all in the cellar, dark with the beginnings of some chocolate. Slightly dry tannins here but the fruit should win.
91-93 points
Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy