THE DOMAINE
Brothers Marc-Emmanuel and Olivier Cyrot are the fourth winemaking generation of this family domaine. They own six hectares of vines across Pommard, Volnay, Santenay and Maranges.
The cellars of Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau are dug into the side of a rocky escarpment in Pommard, adjacent to the premier cru Les Arvelets.
After returning from their studies, the two brothers took back the family’s vineyards from their long-term leases. Olivier is the winemaker, while Marc-Emmanuel looks after the business side, alongside a successful business representing other local growers and advising on vineyard land purchases.
THE WINES
THE 2021 VINTAGE AT DOMAINE CYROT-BUTHIAU
Whilst recent vintages have seen the inclusion of a proportion of whole clusters, the 2021s are 100% destemmed. The berries were cold-macerated for 4-5 days before fermentation. Extraction in 2021 took the form of gentle pumping-over, with no punching-down. New oak use ranges between 10% and 30%.
After the “historic” April 2021 frost (Olivier Cyrot’s word), in which the domaine lost between 30% and 80% of the crop, flowering was early and rapid. Harvest started on 18th September. The wines are fresh, with lower alcohol levels than in recent years.
VOLNAY
This wine comes from five plots, totalling 0.5ha. Two were purchased in 1995 and two in 2010, in the middle of the appellation: one in Les Lurets, one in Cros Martin, one in Poisots, one in Les Faminesand another in Les PauxBois. Supple raspberries, with a crunchy definition and bright acidity, framed by steely tannins. Salty definition on the finish. 100% destemmed.
Corney & Barrow Score 17
Recommended drinking from 2025–2029
POMMARD
15 plots go into this, the domaine’svillage Pommard, from a total of 3ha. Ripe blackberries, with crunchy definition on the medium bodied mid-palate, with ferrous minerality and a fresh core of acidity. An approachable Pommard for earlier drinking, with good typicity. 100% destemmed.
Corney & Barrow Score 17+
Recommended drinking from 2025–2028
POMMARD 1ER CRU
Due to the tiny quantities in 2021, this is a blend of the domaine’s Pommard 1ers Cru holdings:Les Arvelets (3 plots), Les Charmots(3 plots) and La Chagnière (2 plots).Ferrous-mineral, with a ripe, dark-berried intensity of aroma. The palate revels in small, thick-skinned blackberries and firm, fruit-coated tannins, with a kick of fruit ripeness on the finish. 25% new oak. 100% destemmed.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5
Recommended drinking from 2026–2030