Volnay 2009, Bitouzet-Prieur

Was 2009 the stand out vintage that the wine media claimed it to be? No. Lots of sunshine does not deliver complex and fascinating red Burgundies... and certainly not white Burgundies. Lots of sunshine results in very pleasant, early-drinking fruit-driven wines. This Volnay 2009 from the highly respected Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is true to the vintage. A fragrant nose of black cherry, ripe strawberry and plum jam. Succulent, delicious and tangy on the finish. Very enjoyable, well-made, flawless but no mystique. Scores 21-23/30 for a Volnay. The 2008s will be incomparably better. Photo shows Volnay viewed from the hill behind the village in July 2011.