Winemaker Notes
With aromas of ripe red fruits, almonds and earth, this is an elegant wine with depth and potent tannins. It will develop in the bottle for 5 to 10 years.
Serve with game birds and earthy cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Jadot's large holding at the upper reaches of Santenay dates to the 19th century – the land was purchased by the Gagey family, who later sold it but re-purchased most of it in the '90s. Today, Jadot farms seven hectares in the lieu-dit Sous la Fée, which they label Clos de Malte. This village-level Santenay, most of it planted to Pinot Noir, corresponds to the archetype of Santenay – slightly rugged, almost rustic, with a plum and currant fruit, firm tannins and a slight austerity. Give this a year or two to open and drink over the next 10.
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Jasper Morris
The Clos de Malte has a lively ruby colour. The nose is an immediate delight of fresh red fruit, a bit of cherry. Firm structure, acidity, tannins and a little nuttiness, all of which will resolve reasonably quickly in bottle, leaving this entirely delicious fruit to enjoy. Drink from 2026-2030.
Barrel Sample: 88-90
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
In the far southern end of the Côte de Beaune, Santenay forms a little notch that juts into the otherwise straight border with Côte Chalonnaise.
Santenay red wines show the true essence of red Burgundy at good price points and without demanding a lot of cellar time. Enticing aromas of rose-petal, violet, red fruits and licorice lead to sturdiness on the palate. With soils rich in oolitic limestone and marl, this is the home of well-constructed, hearty Pinot noir and represents a fantastic region to explore if you are just beginning your understanding of red Burgundy.
Reputable vineyards of Santenay include La Maladière, as well as the Premier Crus of La Comme, Clos de Tavannes, and Les Gravières.