Introduction
Domaine Jean-Marc et Thomas Bouley has been rooted in Volnay since 1527, though for centuries grapes were sold to négociants. Jean-Marc began bottling under the family name, and since 2002, Thomas has led the 8.5 ha estate, farming 29 parcels across Volnay, Pommard, and Beaune. Known as a vigneron’s vigneron, Thomas combines humility with precision, producing some of the Côte d’Or’s most articulate Pinot Noirs. Recent vintages show greater finesse and aromatic lift without sacrificing depth, earning high praise from critics like William Kelley.
In the Vineyard
Thomas farms organically (uncertified), using compost and cover crops to maintain soil health. Herbicides and fertilizers are avoided, while ploughing is timed late to balance natural vine cycles. Vines are carefully pruned to five or six bunches per plant, ensuring balance early. Green harvesting is avoided; instead, tall canopies shade fruit and encourage aeration. Historical harvest records guide his adaptation to climate, with late pruning, ploughing, and trimming used to slow ripening. The result is pristine vineyards producing fruit that rarely needs correction in the cellar.
In the Cellar
Thomas works intuitively, aiming to guide rather than impose. Fermentations in stainless steel begin cool, with gentle pump-overs and restrained punch-downs. Whole clusters are used selectively for freshness. Oak is applied with restraint, though up to 100% new barrels may be used for powerful sites like Rugiens. Élevage lasts 15–20 months without racking, preserving lees for precision. Wines are bottled by gravity, unfined and unfiltered, with low sulfur. Incremental refinements over the years – from gentler pumps to tailored cooperage – have sharpened detail and finesse.
Whites are made only in tiny quantities, pressed with a basket press, fermented in barrel with a high proportion of solids, and raised reductively for long élevage.
Style
Bouley’s wines are terroir-driven, with texture and line taking precedence over fruit descriptors. Pommard Fremiers shows muscular grain, Volnay Caillerets floral lift, and Pommard Rugiens Haut perfume and tensile power. These are structured vins de garde, capable of long aging yet articulate in youth. Recent vintages highlight refinement and clarity, cementing Bouley’s reputation as one of Volnay and Pommard’s most compelling voices.
Wines
Bourgogne Rouge
From parcels planted 1951–1989 across Volnay on clay-limestone soils. A complete portrait of Volnay, balancing clay’s power with limestone’s lift.
Bourgogne Blanc
From Chardonnay near Volnay on light limestone soils, planted in 2003. Lean and mineral.
Bourgogne Aligoté
0.15 ha near Meursault, planted in 1996 and 2001. Bright, mineral-driven Aligoté.
Hautes-Côtes de Beaune ‘Vibrations’
0.96 ha vineyard at 380 m on iron-rich clay over limestone. Harvested about a week later than the rest, giving vibrant wines with “good vibes.”
Volnay Village
Multi-parcel blend showing Volnay’s balance: two-thirds from deeper clay for body, one-third from whiter soils for lift.
Volnay Clos de la Cave
0.68 ha behind the winery, densely planted with white limestone soils. Perfumed, finessed, and energetic.
Volnay Vieilles Vignes
0.79 ha planted 1935 and 1959 on iron-rich clay. Darker fruit, firmer tannins, and muscular structure.
Pommard
0.68 ha in Les Vaumuriens, planted 1956–2000 on white marl soils. Floral and taut style of Pommard.
Beaune 1er Cru Les Reversées
0.582 ha planted 1963 and 1976 on sandy clay-limestone. Produces open, supple, and floral wines.
Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets
0.177 ha planted 2003 on poor, stony soils. Perfumed, satiny, and finessed.
Volnay 1er Cru Carelle sous la Chapelle
0.31 ha on red clay with limestone. Dark-fruited, rich, with ripe tannins and chalky minerality.
Volnay 1er Cru Les Mitans
Parcel of 60+ year-old vines on lighter, rocky soils. Revitalized through patient farming, yielding delicate, perfumed wines.
Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes
0.43 ha across clay and limestone soils. One of the domaine’s most powerful wines – dense, structured, yet pure.
Pommard 1er Cru Les Fremiers
0.36 ha of old vines (1943, 1968) in iron-clay soils. Muscular, ageworthy, a benchmark for Pommard.
Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens Haut
0.28 ha at the top of Rugiens Haut on shallow limestone. Perfumed, energetic, and finessed – the domaine’s crown jewel.