Awarded 93 points from James Suckling under our label, this spectacular juice hails from the lieu dit of Les Plures – an exceptional site within Les Santenots in the southwest corner of Volnay. The fruit originates from some of the most coveted rows in one of the most sought-after vineyards not just in the commune, but across the entire Côte de Beaune.
2020 Éleveur Volnay 1er Cru Santenots Rouge is a 100% single-vineyard Pinot Noir that is rarely available stateside, and fetches a pretty premium when it is – even their introductory Village-tier Volnay sells for $95/bottle. If by some stroke of luck you stumble upon their elusive Premier Cru offering, the price of entry is at least $125+/bottle, $750+/6-pack before shipping charges.
Our price: $76/bottle.
Like the best vineyards along the Côte d’Or, Les Plures sits mid-slope on shallow, yet incredibly well-draining soil. This corner of Volnay contains harder limestone and more red clay than the rest of the commune, which local vignerons have exploited to maximum effect over generations – the limestone imbues the wine with a distinct minerality while the clay makes for a more full-bodied expression. The full potential of the grapes is boosted by the vineyard’s southeastern aspect, which provides the vines abundant sun to ensure full phenolic ripeness.
Burgundy’s 2020 vintage was the third year in a row featuring a hot and dry growing season – a recipe for fresh, intense reds made from lower yields. Our source handled the conditions perfectly, hand-picking at exactly the right time and applying minimal intervention during vinification. After the fruit was sorted for quality, it was completely destemmed to create an elegant terroir-driven expression – the berries were macerated for 20 days with a few punchings of the cap (again, a softer approach), then moved into 30% new barrels and aged for 20 months. The result? An exceptionally deep and rich expression of Volnay – recognized for centuries for showcasing Burgundian refinement, now with a little extra muscle that makes this vintage even more cellar worthy than usual.
Pouring a lustrous crimson hue in the glass, this Premier Cru Volnay opens with a symphony of aromas – cherries, plum, and cassis are wrapped in tart cranberries, followed by delicate accents of violets and hints of game. On the palate the wine presents flawless cohesion, echoing its aromatic profile while introducing strawberries and spice over medium+ acidity, backed by stony minerality and small, fresh tannins. A persistent, terroir-driven finish awaits you, finely wrapped in barrel influence as mushrooms, freshly turned soils, vanilla bean, and cinnamon waltz together at great length after each sip. Pure pleasure.
14% alc.
