Bitouzet-Prieur Beaune 1er Cru “Cent Vignes” 2022

There are plenty of reasons I love going to Burgundy, but one of the greatest is the opportunity to taste wines I might otherwise overlook on a list. Bottles that, for one reason or another, live in the shadow of more famous neighbors.

Case in point: Bitouzet-Prieur Beaune 1er Cru “Cent Vignes” 2022.

Volnay tends to steal the spotlight in this part of the Côte de Beaune, and as a result, wines like this can quietly fly under the radar. But that’s exactly where some of the most compelling discoveries are hiding.

If you’ve followed my emails over the years, you know how much I admire Bitouzet-Prieur. François Bitouzet has not only built an impressive facility in Meursault, but over the past decade he has elevated the wines to an entirely different level. Each vintage shows more refinement, more precision, and a sense of balance that simply didn’t exist 15–20 years ago.

What he’s managed to do is tame the natural rusticity of these terroirs without stripping away their character. The result is wines that retain their depth and structure, but now carry themselves with polish and finesse.

The 2022 “Cent Vignes” stood out immediately. The nose is expressive with both red and black fruit, layered with spice and a subtle tea-like note. On the palate, there’s real substance and structure, but it’s delivered with an elegance that makes it incredibly easy to drink. The finish builds gradually, almost sneaking up on you, and lingers far longer than expected. It’s the kind of bottle that’s difficult to put down once opened.

Then came the price.

I actually had to ask twice to make sure I heard correctly. Wines of this quality rarely land where this one does. Naturally, my next question was how many bottles were available… I was hoping for more, but managed to secure just 96.

I taste a lot of Burgundy, and it’s not often I come across something this complete at a price that feels like a throwback. This is exactly the kind of discovery that keeps things exciting—and one I’d strongly encourage you not to overlook.