2023 Vincent Girardin Santenay Les Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy

Old vine Santenay can surprise with its depth, and Vincent Girardin draws that out while keeping everything finely tuned and drinkable. With his shift toward a more restrained, site driven style, this cuvée shows the warmer southern Côte de Beaune character but with a cleaner, more precise edge.

The 2023 vintage is bright and expressive. Red cherry, raspberry and a touch of plum lead, lifted by rose petal and a hint of violet. There’s a gentle savoury layer underneath, soft spice, a little earth and a light touch of oak adding shape.

On the palate it sits comfortably in the medium bodied range, with fine, polished tannins giving structure without heaviness. The fruit is generous but controlled, supported by a line of freshness that keeps everything moving. The finish leans slightly savoury, with spice and a faint earthy note lingering.

Girardin’s approach is all about balance, careful extraction and measured élevage, allowing the old vines and site to show clearly.

This is a great match for dishes that carry a bit of flavour. Think duck with a cherry glaze, grilled tuna with sesame, or roast chicken with herbs. It also works well with dishes like a smoky chorizo and tomato stew, mushroom and thyme tart, or a lentil and herb salad, where the wine’s structure and gentle savoury notes hold their ground.

Drinking beautifully now, it will continue to evolve over the next six to ten years, gaining more earthy, savoury complexity while holding its shape.