(Please see my overview of the 2018 vintage in the Côte d’ Or here.)
2018 is a transitional year at the estate as Clément Boillot, son of Louis Boillot and Ghislaine Barthod, fermented the wines here with his father (and likewise fermented at his mother’s estate with her). In 2019, Clément assumed primary responsibility, with the parents of course around to help or advise as needed.
Harvesting began in Volnay on 25 August (and on the Côte de Nuits on the following day). Because vineyards ripened at different times, it took three separate passes in the Côte de Beaune to harvest.
Malo-lactic fermentations finished in the winter. Alcohols range from 12.8º to 13.8 or 14º. There were one or two punchdowns (pigeages) per day.
Consistency and quality could be the motto here, and once again they show in 2018.
2018 Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Ripe blueberry nose and mouth, medium-weight, finesse, purity. Harvested 26 August. (87-90)
2018 Beaune Epenottes
Red fruits, light, pure, fresh. (90-92)
2018 Pommard Poisots
From a vineyard planted in 1986 -- young for the Boillot estate -- this wine is dense with dark fruits, but it is light on the tongue. Good length. (87-89)
2018 Volnay Grands Poisots
Dark fruits, fresh, more breadth and depth than the Pommard. Long, pure, elegant, some structure to support aging. Harvested on the last day. (90-92)
2018 Volnay 1er Cru Les Angles
Open, lush, dark fruits, finesse, light on palate, elegant. Harvested on the first day, 13.1º alcohol, 45 year-old vines. (91-93)
2018 Volnay 1er Cru Les Brouillards
Great finesse, dark fruits, lightness on palate, depth, good complexity, freshness, some tannin. Vines are nearly 70 years old. (92-94)
2018 Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets
Dark berry, especially cassis, fruit, Caillerets texture, nice salinity, long, fine. (92-95)
2018 Pommard 1er Cru Frémiers
Pure, flowing, elegant, black raspberry fruits, not the usual austerity. Tannic structure but finesse. (92-94)
2018 Pommard 1er Cru Croix Noires
Perfumed dark berry nose. Smooth texture, round, black raspberry flavors, round tannins, depth. Limit of maturity (harvested on the last day), more Pommard style than the Frémiers. (92-94)