2018 Domaine Jean-Marc et Thomas Bouley Volnay Les Caillerets 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....
Spicy purple fruit aromas are set off by pretty floral nuances that include both violet and rose petal. The more refined middle weight flavors possess excellent cut and drive that carries over to the beautifully refined finish that exhibits excellent length. This almost painfully intense effort is even firmer and clearly in need of time but it's already impressive in the way that the finish really fans out as it sits on the palate. In a word, classy. Drink 2030+.
90-93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

Wafting from the glass with lovely aromas of peonies, wild berries, coniferous forest floor and raw cocoa, Bouley's 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets is medium to full-bodied, bright and perfumed, with a sumptuous attack, melting tannins and lively acids, concluding with a pure, mineral finish. Surpassing its performance from barrel, this has turned out especially well. Drink 2026 - 2050.
94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2021)

The 2018 Volnay Les Caillerets 1er Cru has an understated bouquet, especially for this appellation, featuring well-defined red berry, briar and light sous-bois aromas. It feels like there is some whole bunch here, but in fact there is nary a stem. The palate is framed by fine tannins and superb mineralité. Very focused, with a supple orange-peel-infused finish that fans out wonderfully. One of Thomas Bouley’s best wines. Drink 2022 - 2038.
91-93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

The first of the Volnays to be picked. Clear bright colour with a classy nose that suggests this great vineyard has resisted the heat. Liquid raspberries on the palate, nicely balanced tannins, just enough acidity, long and fine. Only 15 year old vines but they have held up very well.
91-94 points
Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy