The two parcels we cultivate belong to the family. The first was planted in 1947 and the second in 1976. Our yield does not exceed 35 hl per hectare, placing our annual production in the region of 4,000 bottles.
The vines are 100% Pinot Noir.
The vines are cultivated using non-certified organic methods.
The subsoil consists of a layer of brown silt on a base of fractured rock.
Each batch of wine is vinified in tanks for about 15-17 days, then transferred into oak barrels, where it remains for a minimum of 14 months. We use approximately 35% new barrels.
The wine produces intense aromas of red fruits-cherries, delicately smoked meats, and is pleasantly fresh in the mouth, with blackberry, pepper, liquorice, and tobacco-chocolate. It has excellent ageing potential (10 to 15 years). It can be served as an accompaniment to cooked red meat or game. It is also ideal with very good quality raw milk cheeses.
Tasting notes
A ruby robe. A nose of a red fruit compote, dominated by cherries and redcurrants, but with a hint of blackberry and red plum all the same. Eucalyptus leaf and fresh bay leaf make up the herbaceous component; the spices found are cinnamon, turmeric and a hint of nutmeg; all rounded off with the gentle sweetness of brown sugar and raspberry jam. When given time to breathe, flowers – roses and carnations and a touch of jasmine – appear; the whole is very airy, soft and delicate.
On the palate, this compote of red fruit reappears, mixed with red plum; more surprising are the notes of Reine Claude pear, quince and apricot jelly. So where could the alcohol be hiding – it’s almost undetectable! The maturation is just as discreet; you could almost believe that this wine – 100% barrel-matured – was actually matured in vats; and finally, having tried to detect them with deep retro-nasal olfaction, the tannins show up in a manner of speaking, but only at the very, very end of the finish, high up on the back of the jaw, fully ripe. So, what will become of these wines? Should we drink them? Will they close up? It would take a wise person to say for sure! From the delicate character of the nose to the lovely silky character of the palate in response, this Santenots cannot be beaten. The finish creates a feeling of well-being; the wine goes down nicely, without pressure, without violence; it is present, and it is lasting.
Raphael GIMENEZ-FAUVETY ‘s tasting notes – Retailer ; “De Corps et d’Esprit” in Paris
