Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils, Volnay 1er Cru (Burgundy, France) 2010

 The portion of the Caillerets vineyard Bouchard owns, purchased in 1775 and labeled Ancienne Cuvée Carnot, was the first vineyard land they purchased.  Not surprisingly, it sits in the best section of Caillerets, itself one of the top sites in Volnay.  Its special significance to Bouchard coupled with the location explains why it’s consistently a great wine.  The 2010 is no exception.   Floral and at first, seemingly delicate, but then waves of red fruit flavors, herbal notes and subtle earthy elements cascade on the palate.  Velvety and suave, with tender tannins, it is remarkably engaging at this stage.  But don’t be fooled.  Bouchard’s Volnay Caillerets develops gorgeously and rewards decades–yes, decades–of cellaring.