2020 Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Les Prarons Dessus Santenay 1er Cru

This delicious Pinot Noir comes from the beautiful year 2020 with very low yields due to frost. A place called Santenay that is not a 1er Cru... at least in terms of its price, because if we talk about balance or aging potential, this structured pinot noir has a bright future. Les Prarons Dessus is one of the northernmost vineyards of Santenay, bordering Chassagne 1er Cru Morgeot and just below Clos de Tavannes. The chalky soils here are rich in red clay which, when combined with the old vines, produces a darker, rounder Santenay with more flesh and finer tannins. This is a third whole bunch, and the wine was aged in traditional 228 liter barrels (20% new). This Bachelet-Monnot Les Prarons Dessus Santenay 1er Cru will delight every Burgundy lover because the wine is an example of class and finesse. In the nose we experience aromas of small red fruit that evolve nicely into some earthy notes as the glass is open. The beautifully integrated wood also provides a pleasant extra dimension. This wine is perfect for drinking in its youth, but can still age a bit.

The Bachelet family is very well known in the Côte d'Or, they own plots on some of the most famous vineyards in Burgundy. Nevertheless, the family had some disagreements about the state of affairs on the property. The youngest generation, brothers Marc and Alex, did not panic and in the meantime studied viticulture at university and did internships elsewhere in France and America. Upon returning to Burgundy, their grandfather decided not to give parts of his land to his own sons, but to both his grandsons. From day one, both boys devoted themselves to their new work. 2005 was the first harvest year that Marc and Alex Bachelet worked independently. What the gentlemen have in common is that they are both enormous perfectionists and also extremely eager to learn. They continuously try to improve and perfect things on the estate and with every visit things have changed, from the size of the barrels, the duration of the aging process, to the temperature of the cellar. In addition to the great wines they make in the prestigious villages of Puligny and Chassagne, Marc and Alexandre Bachelet also make exemplary wines in Maranges and Santenay.