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Thomas Bouley is very much the insiders secret, more famous with his fellow vignerons than with collectors chasing the next 'superstar' seen on social media. That Thomas resists putting his name on the front label of his wines (preferring to keep his father's) is typical of his humble and low key approach. Based in Volnay may also add to his relative anonymity, however we suspect this is changing rapidly as word gets out of just how spectacular his wines are, and of the continual improvement seen since he began working with his father in the early 2000's. Meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and winery are notable here, and key to why Thomas is so highly regarded by his peers. Yields are moderate, and in the cellar whole cluster ferments are used more with his clay rich sites (Pommard Fremiers, Volnay Clos des Chenes), while those with thin white soils (Pommard Rugiens-Hauts, Volnay Caillerets) are largely destemmed. New oak use is minimal, and each wine spend two winters on fine lees before bottling.

Felton Road is responsible, to a large extent, for putting Central Otago on the world Pinot Noir map. The wines are, well not so much fruit-driven, as perhaps turbo-charged! Amazing levels of red fruits, a subtle yet important savoury component, along with the silky texture all Pinot enthusiasts long for. This single-block wine shows how different portions of a single vineyard can still have a quite unique character, or what the French would call terrior.

Bright, intense colour and complex aromas evoking violet and black cherry with notes of truffle and game. Good balance between texture and acidity with a long aftertaste.

HIRSCH VINEYARDS West Ridge Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

DOMAINE DE L'ARLOT Clos de L'Arlot 1er, Nuits-St-Georges

DOMAINE DE L'ARLOT Mont des Oiseaux Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru

DOMAINE HENRI MAGNIEN Grand Cru, Les Grandes Lolieres, , Corton

HIRSCH VINEYARDS Reserve Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast The Hirsch Reserve Pinot Noir is a selection of their best barrels from the oldest and finest vineyard blocks at Hirsch. It is the highest expression of this complex and deeply expressive site, and a true reserve of very limited production. The Reserve may be the finest wine of their portfolio, with classic Hirsch tannins providing backbone and gravitas. A true reserve of very limited production.