Volnay 1er Cru Santenots 2022 Clos du Moulin aux Moines | Burgundy

The Volnay 1er Cru Santenots cuvée from Clos du Moulin aux Moines embodies one of the most refined expressions of this emblematic Burgundy terroir. Located in Meursault , but classified as a Volnay 1er Cru, the Santenots parcel lies on deep clay-limestone soils, ideal for Pinot Noir. This singular climate, renowned for producing some of Volnay's finest wines, benefits from an easterly exposure that gives the wines density and freshness. Le Clos du Moulin aux Moines uses a demanding organic viticulture system committed to biodynamic viticulture: plot work is carried out exclusively by hand and horse, hand harvesting and meticulous sorting ensure a particularly healthy harvest, in keeping with the wine estate's low-intervention winemaking methods. Nearly 70% of the harvest is destemmed, before natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled vats. The wine is then gravity-filled into old barrels for 14 months, without fining or filtration. This sobriety favors the balance between substance and finesse, giving this cuvée a remarkably precise profile.

Philippe Mischler sommelier at Mundovin : Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots reveals the refined elegance expected of this legendary Côte de Beaune cru. Its fruit is dense and structured, supported by supple tannic architecture and precise mineral balance. This is a cuvée that exudes finesse and depth, with an elegant tension conducive to cellaring for at least a decade. In the Clos du Moulin aux Moines range, it stands out for its fullness devoid of artifice, and the unique imprint of an emblematic lieu-dit.

The opening is discreet, almost mysterious, gradually revealing nuanced notes of black berry, blackcurrant and elderberry, old rose and black pepper. A deep framework of cocoa, undergrowth and cherry pit settles in as the wine opens up.

On tasting, the attack is dense but prodigiously silky, driven by tannic flesh with an exceptional touch. The power of black, ripe fruit takes hold, enhanced by hints of sandalwood, licorice and pepper, while the perfect acidity takes the whole to new heights of refinement. The impeccably long finish stretches out in a satiny rush, revealing all the quintessence of Santenots.