Santenay Les Vieilles Vignes 2023 Vincent Girardin

Santenay white wine is more of an exception than the norm, and the Santenay Les Vieilles Vignes 2023 is Vincent Girardin's reinterpretation of it: It is a pure Chardonnay wine from the southernmost tip of Côte de Beaune, at the very edge of Côte d'Or. Since vineyards dedicated to white wine account for only around 15% of the total area in this appellation, wines like this are rare. Vieilles Vignes refers to old vines. Older vines yield lower harvests but ripen more evenly, which was a key factor in the 2023 vintage. That year was the hottest in Burgundy's history and also a year of abundant harvest. Budbreak began early in late March, and damp weather persisted throughout the first half of May, resulting in real mildew pressure. Growers who reduced their yields and picked the right harvest date had the best results, as the sweltering heat of September intensified the concentration of the fruit. Look forward to the somewhat lighter flavor profile of Santenay compared to the buttery Meursault: You'll detect citrus and white floral notes, a subtle hint of hazelnut, and a chalky freshness derived from limestone. Fresh and vibrant, the wine is balanced by the substantial body derived from old vines. Best enjoyed through 2034.

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