Robert Ampeau Volnay Santenots 2001

Domaine Robert Ampeau is a legendary estate in Burgundy, Meursault specifically, that has been family-owned and -operated for five generations. Robert is known for releasing his wines only when he believes they are ready, with this 2001 just being released. Santenots is a Premier Cru climat (a vineyard site that is unique because of terroir) that falls under the Volnay appellation, just south of Meursault. The soils in Santenots differ slightly to those in the rest of Volnay: they have harder limestone and are redder in color due to a higher iron content. There are also a lot of large stones, which provide drainage and stress the vines, forcing them to grow deep roots, which produces high quality grapes. This 18-year-old pinot noir is incredibly complex and still fresh, displaying deep cherry and earth tones with hefty minerality. Drink this legend today or experience it further down the road of its aging potential.