2022 Beaune, Cent-Vignes, 1er Cru, Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur, Burgundy

The 2022 Beaune Les Cents-Vignes 1er Cru has a primal, almost pastille-like bouquet, lacking the complexity I discern in the preceding Volnay Village. The palate is chewy on the entry and a bit rustic on the mid-palate with a slightly angular finish. This needs a bit of work during the remainder of its élevage.

“All our vines are on the slopes, and we did not observe any stress in the Chardonnay,” Bitouzet-Prieur informs. “Beaune Les Aussy was the only vineyard that showed some signs of stress because the soils are so free-draining. We picked from August 25 until August 31. It was a normal length of harvest, even though the volume was higher. You didn’t have to look out for bunches that were not ripe. 

I find the 2022s fresher than the 2020s, with slightly lower alcohol. The 2020 vintage was precocious, and I think those wines will drink younger.” This is another domaine where the Volnay Clos des Chênes forms a high point, closely followed by the Caillerets. Amongst the whites, I particularly like the superb Meursault Santenots, which had the audacity to outshine the Les Perrières and Les Charmes.

Drink 2025 - 2033

Fine mid crimson. The bouquet has an attractive floral note, the sort that comes from advanced but uncooked ripeness, and gives immediate pleasure. Generous on the palate, but has retained its balance in darker fruit.

Drink 2026 - 2032