Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur

Situated below Champans, François’s 0.51 hectares of vines were mostly planted in 1956, with some in 1998. The brownish, alluvial soil gives a rounded expression of Volnay with a firm backbone and generous red fruit. Drink 2021-2026.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer

At the very north of the appellation, next to the D’Angerville monopole of Le Clos des Ducs, this is a rich wine, almost ferrous with some rusticity. Its proximity to Pommard makes it the most masculine and structured of the range, but equally gives excellent ageing potential. A total of 0.5 hectares, mostly planted from 1959 to 1974. Drink 2022-2030.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer

The vineyard needs no introduction, and Bitouzet-Prieur have holdings of 0.72 hectares, planted in 1971, 1983, 1997. A rocky, saline and mineral wine with great energy; it is presently incredibly closed and tightly wound, but the potential is there for a great vin de garde. Drink 2023-2035.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer

The estate has two parcels in this excellent Premeir Cru, totalling 0.54 hectares planted from 1976 to 1986. This is a noble, perfumed and high-class wine with great density and tightly-wound power. The quality of tannins is remarkable, like spun silk. Drink 2022-2032.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer

From a tiny parcel of just 0.15 hectares, François makes barely three barrels per year. There is an initial smoky reduction which clears to reveal rich, intense red fruit. The palate is profoundly mineral with wet stones enveloped by nervy raspberry fruit. Through the whole is a freshness that is almost citrus in its profile, whilst the finish is incredibly chalky and mineral. Drink 2023-2035.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer

This wine comes from a fifty-fifty split of two parcels which straddle the road, the upper portion being the bottom of Charmes-Dessus and the lower being the top of Charmes-Dessous. Together they total 0.2 hectares. This is classically Charmes; elegant, creamy and ethereal with real grace. Drink 2022-2028.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer

This wine comes from the small, triangular lieu-dit of Les Santenots Blanc, and belonged to the Bitouzet family prior to their union with the Meursault-based Prieurs. Despite the vineyard being better known for Volnay, they planted it to Chardonnay in the mid-1960s, as it was the only parcel they owned which was permitted to grow white grapes. Producing between two and three barrels per year, this site gives a rounded wine which has the weight and grip of a red. There is real breadth here – within the parameters of François’s elegant style – which provides a wine of concentration and warmth, with a subtle matchstick reduction keeping things tightly in check. Drink 2020-2025.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer

Bitouzet-Prieur’s 0.28-hectare parcel is between the Clos des Perrières and the border with Puligny-Montrachet, in Perrières-Dessus to be specific, next to Lafon. As one would expect, this is a stony, chiselled expression of Meursault with a compact and pure profile. The mineral austerity and tightly wound energy gives great ageing potential. Drink 2023-2030.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer