Santenay
1er Cru Passetemps 2023
This is the Côte d’Or’s southernmost appellation, located just to the south of Chassagne-Montrachet …
Origin
Santenay’s vineyards stretch across 400 ha of which 123 ha are planted with Premier Cru vines, divided into 3 distinct zones.
The climat "Passetemps", located in the North of the appellation, is composed by two plots on a hillside located just below the "Clos des Mouches". and not far from the village of Chassagne-Montrachet. The vines are exposed south-east and benefit from a predominantly clay soil.
The name "Passetemps" probably comes from the fact that it was nice to spend time working on these plots.
Viticulture
Grape variety: chardonnay
Soils: mostly clay.
Orientation: East
Surface area under vine: 0.4173 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 31 hL/ha
Average age of the vine: 58 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 4 September 2023.
The grapes were handpicked.
At the winery: the whole bunches of grapes were gently pressed for 2½ hours. The temperature of the must was brought down to 12°C then was immediately transferred to barrels with no settling to preserve a maximum of lees.
Ageing
Maturation: aged for 18 months in a 450-L barrel, with no racking or stirring to bring out all of this wine’s minerality. 33% new oak barrel.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time to impart a subtle, delicate touch of oak were used.
Bottling
Bottling: by gravity on March 13, 2025, wine fined with bentonite, very light lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 1,726.
Vintage
Fruity and generous
The 2023 vintage experienced unpredictable weather conditions, making work in the vineyards essential for grape quality. Harvesting began in early September under intense heat with the Chardonnays to avoid over-ripening, followed by the reds. The whites will spend two winters in the cellar, while the Pinot Noirs will have undergone short ageing to preserve the fruity aromas. A vintage that brings out the best in each terroir, offering wines that are bright and delicious.
Ageing potential: 10 years and more.
Awards
Tim Atkin - Burgundy 2023 Special Report - 92 pts
Bourgogne Aujourd'hui Magazine - 15/20
JancisRobinson.com -Negociants'2023 Burgundies - 16,5 / 20
Tasting notes
Bright yellow in color, the nose exudes delicate floral aromas of lime blossom and acacia, subtly woody with mineral touches. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, carried by flavors of citrus fruit and lemon zest. Chiselled and precise, it is sustained by a beautiful freshness that prolongs the tasting on a tangy, elegant finish.
