Joseph Faiveley Volnay Santenots 2013

The 2013 Joseph Faiveley Volnay 1er Cru “Santenots” is a stunning reminder of why we look to the great houses of Burgundy for value and precision, even in difficult vintages.

Technically, Santenots is a bit of a geographic quirk. While the vines sit within the village boundaries of Meursault, the red wines produced here are entitled to the Volnay 1er Cru designation. It is widely considered the sturdiest of the Volnays, offering a bit more muscle and depth than the ethereal, lacy wines found further north in the village.

Over the last fifteen years, the estate has shifted away from the tough, oak-heavy style of the past toward a philosophy of transparency and finesse. This Santenots is a perfect example of that shift. It isn’t trying to be a powerhouse; it’s trying to be a transparent window into one of Burgundy’s most unique terroirs.