Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Volnay Premier Cru "Taillepieds" 2020
(Burgundy, France) - [WA 93-95] [VM 91-93] [JM 91-93] [BH 90-93]

About the Wine

Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Volnay Premier Cru Taillepieds 2020 is a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Burgundy's Cote de Beaune. The supplied barrel reviews describe a concentrated, spicy wine with firm tannins, energetic acidity and pronounced mineral character.

Vineyard

Taillepieds lies mid-slope in Volnay with a southeast exposure. Its light brown clay, plentiful stones and limestone subsoil contribute to a well-drained site known for structured wines. The name refers to the sharp pebbles that made working the vineyard difficult.

Winemaking

The distributor's general Taillepieds technical information describes hand harvesting in small cases, hand sorting, and full or partial destemming according to the vintage. Fermentation takes place in small vessels, followed by gentle pressing and approximately 12–14 months in French oak. No unverified 2020 whole-cluster or new-oak percentage is specified here.

Tasting Profile & Food Pairings

Dark raspberry, black berry fruit and plum meet clove, white pepper, mocha and mineral notes. A dense yet lively palate combines ripe fruit with firm, finely shaped tannins and a long finish. Suggested pairings include roast duck, game birds, herb-roasted chicken and mushroom dishes. Vinous Media gives a 2025–2045 drinking window; Burghound recommends starting in 2032.

Ratings & Reviews

93–95 Points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:  

Barrel rating; review summary. Kelley singled out Taillepieds among Bouchard's Volnays in 2020, describing layered red fruit, earthy and cocoa nuances, impressive concentration and a muscular texture leading to a sustained mineral finish. - William Kelley (Jan 2022)

91–93 Points – Vinous Media:

“The 2020 Volnay Taillepieds 1er Cru has a lovely spicy bouquet with clove and white pepper scents infusing the dark berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe tannins, taut and crisp, quite spicy and grippy towards the finish. Good potential. (Drink between 2025-2045)” – Neal Martin (Dec 2021)

91–93 Points – Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy:

“Another black colour with purple rim. The bouquet wants to offer some elegance despite the massive concentration of the vintage. Succulent dark raspberry, a glossy character also on the palate, firmer tannins behind for sure. Medium plus length and the useful acidity which picks out points of red fruit.” – Jasper Morris MW (Nov 2021). Four stars.

90–93 Points – Burghound:

“Enough wood to notice surrounds the equally ripe aromas of mocha, black raspberry and spicy poached plum. The super-sleek, dense and wonderfully energetic medium-bodied flavors brim with both minerality and dry extract that helps to buffer the firm tannins shaping the youthfully austere, chiseled and sneaky long finish. (Drink starting 2032)” – Allen Meadows (Apr 2022)

Wine Details: Pinot Noir; Taillepieds Premier Cru; Volnay, Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France; 2020; 750 mL. Ratings above are barrel-score ranges.