2016 Abbaye de Santenay Santenay Rouge Champs Claude, Cote de Beaune

Tasted from magnum, the 2016 Santenay Champs Claude reveals a deep bouquet of dark berries, baking chocolate, licorice and forest floor. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, framed by lively acids and an ample endowment of powdery tannin that lends the 2016 a more structured profile than either the 2017 or 2018 renditions. There's plenty of promise here, but it just needs some time—especially in magnum.

90+ points robertparker.com 14 Feb 2020 

The 2016 Abbaye de Santenay Santenay Rouge Champs Claude is a beautifully expressive Pinot Noir from the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, where limestone rich soils and gentle slopes give wines both charm and structure. Champs Claude is a prized lieu dit in Santenay, sitting on stony marl and limestone that produce Pinot Noir with bright red fruit, savoury depth and a distinctly Burgundian line.

Abbaye de Santenay has roots that stretch back to the medieval monks who first farmed these vineyards, and today the estate continues that legacy with a focus on purity, terroir and traditional winemaking. The 2016 vintage was a challenging but ultimately rewarding year, delivering wines of freshness, aromatic clarity and elegant structure.

In the glass, this Pinot shows red cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry, layered with dried herbs, subtle spice and a gentle earthy note. The palate is finely boned and precise, with lively acidity and silky tannins carrying the flavours through a long, savoury finish. It is elegant rather than powerful, with everything in balance.

This is a wonderful wine for the table. Roast chicken, duck, pork, mushroom dishes or simple French bistro fare all highlight its savoury and bright red fruit character.

The 2016 Abbaye de Santenay Santenay Rouge Champs Claude is drinking beautifully now, but it will continue to evolve over another eight to twelve years, gaining more earthy and truffle like complexity as it ages. It is a classic Côte de Beaune Pinot that offers both charm and serious Burgundy character.