Winemaker Notes
The Domaine historically operated a small parcel of 0.46 hectare in the upper part (to the west) of the Caillerets appellation. In 2013, the Domaine was able to acquire an additional parcel in the same appellation, only separated by a dirt road from the existing one. The soil there is poor, reddish and shallow. The entire climate enjoys exemplary exposure making it one of the most cerebral crus of Volnay, perhaps this is why it was co-founder, Ned Benedict’s favorite cuvée.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Juicy and tangy, featuring a chorus of black cherry, black currant, violet and stony mineral aromas and flavors. Supple in texture, underscored by a firm structure. Sweet spice notes grace the long, resonant finish. Very energetic. Best from 2023 through 2040. 40 cases imported.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets has a more mineral-driven, tensile bouquet than the Fremiets. There is a palpable sense of energy from the very start, scents of blackberry and wild hedgerow, almost slate-like scents that lurk underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, finely pitched acidity and it displays more rondeur than the Fremiets thanks to its caressing, très Volnay finish. Excellent.
Barrel Sample: 91-93 -
Decanter
The Caillerets is very classical in 2016, opening in the glass with aromas of red berry fruit, spice, dried rose petal and chalky soil tones, subtly framed by new oak. On the palate this elegantly medium-full wine is supple, fine-grained and detailed, and pure and precise on the chalky finish.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
On the hillsides between Pommard and Meursault, Volnay is one of two villages in the Côte de Beaune of Burgundy that is recognized for its extraordinary Pinot Noir. Pommard is the other; the rest of the villages are most known for some of the most exceptional Chardonnay in the world. While Volnay Pinot Noir tends to be light in color and more delicate than that of Pommard, they typically stand on par with each other in regards to quality and demand.
Volnay can’t claim any Grands Crus vineyards but more than half of it has achieved Premier Cru status. Volnay Premiers Crus vineyards stretch across the entire village from northeast to southwest, abutting and actually falling “into” Meursault. Where they merge is a vineyard called Les Santenots. Pinot Noir grows in this Meursault Premier Cru but since that village is most associated with stellar whites, the Pinot Noir from Les Santenots, takes the name Volnay Santenots. Immediately above it are Volnay’s other prized Premier Cru, Le Cailleret, Champans, Clos des Chênes and Le Cailleret.
Volnay Pinot Noir are earthy with red or blue fruit. Aromas such as smoke, herbs, forest, cocoa and spice are common and on the palate they are gorgeous and concentrated with finesse but won’t truly charm you without some age.