Bouchard Volnay 1er cru Clos des Chênes 2019

91-94 points/'Sweet spot/ Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .80 ha parcel in the lower section of the vineyard). Soft but not imperceptible wood frames the aromas of baked plum and abundant wisps of both spice and floral nuances. The suave, round and enveloping middle weight plus flavors possess plenty of minerality and overt power and muscle that really comes up on the sappy and palate coating finale where the only nit is a hint of warmth. As is typically the case with Clos des Chênes, this is very compact at present and is going to need 12+ years to arrive at its peak, perhaps even a few years longer. Drink: 2031+. (Apr 2021)"

91-94 points Jasper Morris, MW: "Intense powerful purple, this is massive, but really well disciplined, morello cherries enlivened by fresh plums, the whole bunch element adding valuable support. Very intense through the middle with a long finish. A keeper! (Nov 2020)"

91-93+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The finest example of this climat that I've tasted from Bouchard, the 2019 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes offers up notes of peonies, wild berries and plums, complemented by hints of raw coca and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's deep and lively, with a long, mineral finish. (Jan 2021)"

91-93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2019 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has the best nose of Bouchard’s Volnay, offering more Pinot Noir expression and lovely red fruit, vibrant and shimmering. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. This has a touch of black pepper with hints of truffle toward the finish, and a saline aftertaste. Excellent. A Volnay with precision and ambition. Drink: 2024-2045. (Dec 2020)"