Volnay-Santenots is among the appellation's southernmost sites and closest to Meursault. It's situated on the mid-slope section of the hillside. Michel Ampeau's grandfather acquired the first vines in the early-1900s before his father, Robert, acquired more in the 1950s.

Here, it is about the clay-limestone soils that are notably more red in appearance than other sites, signifying a greater presence of clay and a higher content of iron which lends more structure.

Vinification was simple, classic. Grapes were mostly de-stemmed and fermented in cement tank with native yeast. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging for 10 months, in anywhere from 10-25% new barrels.

Then laid to rest in their cellars…for 20+ years.

It needed it. This one follows along the same lines as Ampeau’s neighbors in this vineyard, Arnaud Ente, Comte Lafon and others, it is a richer style, fuller-bodied, but requiring more time to come into its own. But, when it does, look out! Mature but still youthful, this wine shines with spices, a deep red fruit component, a touch of sous bois and a now-velvety texture that is oh…so…Burgundy. It’s why you drink them, it’s why you age them, and the Ampeau family has the luxury of doing both.

The price here is actually pretty amazing, considering current release offerings from this vineyard are selling for the same price as this beauty (or more) and only going up from there…again, what a treat…