Size: 3.9 ha (9.64 ac)
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vine Age: Planted in 1944, 1962, 1965, 1978
Terroir: East-facing, shallow red clay soil, hard limestone substrate: a sunny, early-ripening site
Viticulture: Organic (certified), biodynamic
Vinification: 100% de-stemmed, cooled (12-15°C), 4-6 days' whole-grape maceration, 10 days' indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, 1-2 punch-downs per day. 1-2 weeks' settling in tank, gravity transfer to oak barrel (1/3 new). Racking, 18-22 months' aging on fine lees in same barrels, blending in tank.
Becky Wasserman.com
"The domaine's holdings of Santenots are sizeable at 3.9ha, although the younger vines are used to make Dominique Lafon's village Volnay. This richer, denser, sappier wine has subtle reduction with some spice and texture from 10% whole bunches, accompanied by filigree tannins and a core of plum and dark cherry fruit." Decanter 95p
"A super-fresh if somewhat brooding nose is comprised by notes of essence of red pinot fruit, spice and lavender that really helped from being in a decanter for 30 minutes first. The succulent and reasonably concentrated medium weight flavors exude a subtle minerality before concluding in a compact, powerful, complex and impressively persistent finish. This seems to have put on weight since I last reviewed it and I like the overall sense of harmony and balance. In sum, this is evolving nicely though I underscore that it still needs at least another 5 or so years. In a word, lovely." Burghound 93p
"The 2017 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots-du-Milieu confirms its strong showing from barrel, soaring from the glass with scents of ripe cherries, red berries, rose petals, orange rind and a deft touch of toasty new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with melting tannins, succulent acids and a charming, supple profile that makes it hard to resist." Wine Advocate
"The 2017 Volnay Les Santenots 1er Cru has a strict, almost Pommard-like bouquet of dark berry fruit, touches of iodine and an underlying marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, chalky tannins, a crisp line of acidity and a vibrant, tensile finish that delivers plenty of horsepower. This is superb. Closure is Diam 30 Organic. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting." Vinous 94p
