When we shape our portfolio, we look for wines that “punch above their weight.” These are wines that exceed expectations based on the price tag and the name on the label. For overperforming white Burgundies, many of our favorites come from the towns of St-Aubin and Santenay.
We wrote about an exciting new Saint-Aubin last week, but today we’re focused on Santenay. The town is known for mid-range Burgundies that can be delicious but are seldom extraordinary. But Roger Belland’s 2017 Santenay 1er cru “Beauregard” blanc is so easy and smooth and delightful you won’t care where it’s from.
Clive Coates MW calls Roger Belland “one of the best sources in the village.” Together with his daughter Julie, Belland crafts excellent wines with cool, fresh fruit and beautiful balance. They are the fifth and sixth generations of the Belland family to work this property, and know their land and vines intimately.
Belland’s 2017 Santenay 1er cru blanc is a few hundred yards from the Chassagne-Montrachet border, and drinks like it’s from much fancier terroir. The nose bursts with exotic notes of mango, white flowers, pineapple, lemon peel and buttered toast; the mouth is round, smooth, and rich but with excellent freshness and terrific length.
Burghound found it “impressively dense” with a “creamy mid-palate” and a “vibrant and lingering finish.” He concluded “this could be enjoyed immediately.” We’ve taken him up on his suggestion, and invite you to do the same.
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Belland Santenay 1er “Beauregard” blanc 2017
bottle price: $42
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES