Domaine Lucien Boillot & Fils Volnay 1er Cru "Les Brouillards" 2017

1. Winery Background

Domaine Lucien Boillot & Fils is a family-run winery based in Burgundy, with a strong reputation for producing elegant and terroir-driven wines. The domaine spans both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, making it one of the rare producers with vineyards in both prestigious regions. With roots going back over six generations, the winery is currently run by Pierre Boillot, who is known for his traditional winemaking approach that emphasizes purity, finesse, and expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard site.

2. The Producer

Pierre Boillot is the current winemaker at Domaine Lucien Boillot & Fils, continuing the family’s legacy of producing high-quality Burgundian wines. He is committed to organic farming practices and minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the terroir to shine through in every bottle. The winery is known for producing wines that are elegant, balanced, and age-worthy.

3. The Vineyard

The Volnay 1er Cru “Les Brouillards” vineyard is located in the Volnay appellation of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, which is celebrated for its refined and elegant Pinot Noir. The “Les Brouillards” vineyard is classified as Premier Cru, one of the highest classifications in Burgundy, indicating the exceptional quality of the terroir. The vineyard’s soils are a mixture of limestone and clay, which contribute to the finesse and structure of the wines produced here.

4. The Wine

Domaine Lucien Boillot & Fils Volnay 1er Cru “Les Brouillards” 2017 is a fine example of Pinot Noir from the Volnay appellation. The wine is known for its elegance, with a focus on purity of fruit and subtle complexity. It captures the essence of Volnay’s style, offering a delicate, floral, and finely structured expression of Pinot Noir.

5. The Vintage (2017)

The 2017 vintage in Burgundy was a return to more classic conditions, following the challenging frost-affected 2016 vintage. The growing season saw favorable weather, with warm, dry conditions that led to an early harvest. The wines from 2017 are known for their balance, freshness, and vibrant fruit. In Volnay, the vintage produced wines with finesse and approachability, offering great aromatic complexity and fine tannins.

6. Vinification and Aging

Pierre Boillot employs traditional winemaking techniques. The grapes are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and then fermented using indigenous yeasts. The wine undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels (about 20% new oak) for 12-15 months. The use of minimal new oak allows the purity of the fruit and terroir to remain the focus, with the oak providing structure and subtle complexity without dominating the wine.

7. The Grapes

• Pinot Noir (100%)

The Pinot Noir from the Les Brouillards vineyard is known for its delicate balance of red fruit, floral notes, and fine tannins, making it an excellent representation of Volnay’s terroir.

8. Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright ruby red with a medium intensity.

• Nose: Aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries dominate the nose, with underlying floral notes of violets and hints of spices like cinnamon and clove. There are also subtle earthy and mineral undertones from the limestone soils.

• Palate: On the palate, the wine is elegant and refined, with flavors of fresh red berries and a touch of black tea. The tannins are silky and well-integrated, providing a fine structure. The wine’s acidity is fresh and vibrant, balancing the fruit and adding to the wine’s age-worthiness. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of minerals and spice.

• Finish: Long, with delicate fruit and a refreshing mineral undertone.

9. Food and Wine Pairing

Domaine Lucien Boillot & Fils Volnay 1er Cru “Les Brouillards” 2017 pairs beautifully with a variety of refined dishes, especially those that complement its elegance and freshness:

• Roast poultry (duck, chicken) with herbs

• Game birds (quail, partridge)

• Mushroom-based dishes, like risotto or mushroom tart

• Lamb chops with rosemary or thyme

• Soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or mild goat cheese

10. Service

• Serving Temperature: Best served at around 16-18°C (60-64°F) to fully appreciate the wine’s aromas and complexity.

• Decanting: This wine can be enjoyed upon opening, but decanting for about 30 minutes can help to enhance its aromas and soften the tannins for a more complete expression.

11. Storage

• Aging Potential: The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru “Les Brouillards” is approachable in its youth due to its elegant tannins and vibrant fruit, but it has the structure to age for another 8-12 years. Over time, the wine will develop more complex tertiary aromas of forest floor, truffle, and dried fruit.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place at consistent temperatures, ideally around 12°C (55°F), to allow the wine to age gracefully.

12. Scores

• Wine Advocate: 90-92 points

• Burghound: 91 points

• Vinous: 91 points

Domaine Lucien Boillot & Fils Volnay 1er Cru “Les Brouillards” 2017 is a beautifully balanced and elegant expression of Volnay. With its delicate red fruit, floral notes, and fine tannins, it captures the finesse and purity that define this prestigious appellation. It’s a versatile wine that can be enjoyed young or aged for added complexity, making it a standout in any Burgundy lover’s collection.