Bouchard Père & Fils : Volnay 1er cru "Caillerets - Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" Domaine 2003

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Volnay 1er Cru "Caillerets - Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" 2003 from Bouchard Père & Fils

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep, bright ruby-red hue, with garnet and slightly tawny highlights that reflect its evolution after more than two decades.

Nose

The bouquet reveals fine aromatic complexity, combining notes of lightly candied red fruit, violet and peony. Smoky nuances brought by the limestone subsoil mingle with tertiary aromas reminiscent of forest floor and truffle.

Palate

The attack is broad and generous, revealing remarkable concentration without heaviness. The texture unfolds gradually on the palate, carried by silky, perfectly integrated tannins. The finish, both delicate and persistent, expresses aromas of red fruit and floral notes, with excellent overall balance.

Food and wine pairings

This Volnay 1er Cru "Caillerets - Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" 2003 is an ideal match for braised white meats, roasted duck, or dishes featuring wild mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses such as Camembert or Époisses.

Serving and cellaring

The Volnay 1er Cru "Caillerets - Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" 2003 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 15-16°C. A light decanting for one hour helps to fully reveal its aromatic complexity.

An elegant and complex Volnay 1er Cru

The estate

Founded in 1731 by Michel Bouchard in Beaune, the Bouchard Père & Fils House is one of Burgundy’s oldest and most prestigious estates. With 130 hectares spread across 450 plots covering more than 100 climats of the Côte d'Or, the estate boasts an exceptional winegrowing heritage, including Grands Crus such as Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet. Acquired in 2022 by Artémis Domaines (the Pinault family), the estate is now led by Frédéric Engerer. Certified organic since 2025, the House is committed to moving toward biodynamics.

The vineyard

The Climat Les Caillerets is among the most renowned parcels in the Volnay appellation. The estate owns 3.09 hectares here, divided into two complementary sectors: Les Caillerets Porte to the north, located high on the slope on shallow limestone soils, and Les Caillerets Travers to the south, mid-slope on richer clay-limestone soils. This mosaic of terroirs, facing east-southeast between 250 and 275 meters above sea level, lies on a Bathonian limestone subsoil scattered with small stones that gave the lieu-dit its name. The mention Ancienne Cuvée Carnot pays tribute to the Carnot family, former owners of these vines before their acquisition by Bouchard Père & Fils in 1775.

The vintage

The year 2003 was marked by exceptional climatic conditions in Bourgogne. A mild winter was followed by a cool spring, then an intense summer heatwave with temperatures reaching 46°C. This extreme heat, combined with persistent drought, led to a shortened growing cycle and an early harvest beginning on August 18. Despite these extreme conditions, the vintage produced concentrated grapes which, over time, have revealed a sunny character and remarkable richness.

Vinification and aging

The Volnay 1er Cru "Caillerets - Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" 2003 was vinified with 20 to 30% whole clusters. After cold maceration at 12°C, fermentation took place with regular punch-downs for 12 to 20 days. The wine was then aged for 16 to 20 months in French oak barrels, 35 to 40% of which were new. This measured approach helped preserve the expression of the terroir while adding structure and complexity to the wine.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir.