Volnay Les Caillerets

Bottles of this product are discounted by 10%. Price shown includes saving.

Four barrels from one parcel, this is a regal Volnay, flattering yet compelling at the same time. There were two-thirds whole-bunch this year, but Ben makes the decision for this vineyard based on the quality of the vines’ genetic material, mostly on the basis of its 70-year-old vines. Drink 2023-2029.

It is fair to say that Ben is very happy with 2017, describing it as the kind of vintage he would sign up for every year. The whites, he says, are beautiful, and not far from 2014 in style, with purity, finesse, great definition and balance. He describes the reds as pretty, appealing and with body to support ageing, while highlighting the importance of lower-yielding old vines for serious ageing. He eloquently explains that there is no “black sheep” in 2017, that no village has underperformed. For reason of space, the limited volumes of Grands Crus have not been included in this brochure. Since the 2014 vintage, all white wines are bottled under screwcap.

An attractive red cherry nose jumps out of the glass. Plenty of ripe fruit on the palate, this is held in check by the mineral core this renowned vineyard is famous for. Precise on the finish. Gove it 5 years in the cellar.
Fergus Stewart, BBR Fine Wine Department

 In contrast to the jovial expressiveness of the prior wines this is much more reserved with its ripe yet cool aromas of dark berry fruit liqueur, spice and wet stone. The silky and equally cool and restrained middle weight flavors offer outstanding definition on the rich, energetic and hugely long saline-infused finish. This is one seriously impressive Caillerets but note well that it's built to age. Drink to 2023+
94/100 Allen Meadows, burghound.com

Bought by Bouchard in 1775 from the Famille Carnot and at the time of Dr Lavalle, when it was held as a Tête de Cuvée. One of the first parcels to be picked, this has a nose of ripe plums and flower. At once concentrated and delicate, it has a smoky, ash flavour and firm but ripe tannins. Needs time. Drink2024-2032. 

Ben’s parcel is located just above the famous Clos des 60 Ouvrées. Caillerets gives some of Volnay’s most joyous and headily perfumed wines, redolent of violet and rose. There are some old vines, up to 70 years old, and Ben uses as much whole-bunch as he can (80% this year), based on each vine’s genetic quality. The year’s ripeness translates to succulence, but the terroir also gives composure and equanimity. Drink 2026-2033