Domaine Bernard Moreau Volnay "Santenots" 2018
(Burgundy, France) - [WA 91-93] [JM 91-93] [BH 89-92] [VM 89-91]

It’s impossible to discuss Chassagne-Montrachet without mentioning the name Bernard Moreau. Year to year, this celebrated producer vinifies and bottles some of the purest, most thought-provoking wines of the appellation. Employing a style of wine making that might best be described as hands-off, Alex Moreau produces Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that are sensual, opulent and utterly delicious. 

Brothers Alex and Benoit Moreau have been running this impeccable Domaine (now named after their father) in Chassagne-Montrachet since the 1999 vintage. Benoit handles the vineyard work and Alex tackles the cellar work and winemaking. Their work and excellent vineyard sources has their family’s Domaine positioned as one of the best in Burgundy.  Their Chardonnays are full of unique energy that reflects the vineyard source with aplomb. Their red wines are pure, sensual expressions of Pinot Noir's elegance. 

The Domaine was founded in 1809. 

Ratings & Reviews:

91-93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Produced from purchased grapes, the 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots reveals aromas of plums and blackberries mingled with warm spices, smoke and peonies. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with a layered core and succulent acids. This is a charming, inviting Santenots that will drink well young." - William Kelley (Jan 2020)

91-93 Points - Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:
"Last made in 2015 though this is from a different source, this time in Les Santenot Blancs. Fine bright mid-red with some elegance to the nose as well as a significant weight of fruit. Dark raspberry notes, some wood behind, and a welcome freshness this is well balanced overall and gracious. Probably accessible before La Cardeuse." (Dec 2019)

89-92 Points - Allen Meadows' BurgHound:
"Pretty, ripe and fresh aromas are comprised by notes of spice, poached plum and airy floral nuances. The supple and round medium-bodied flavors possess a velvety texture before concluding in a sappy and lightly mineral-inflected finale. The tannins are firm but fine and well-buffered and thus this should be approachable after only a few years but have no trouble rewarding a decade or so of cellaring." (Apr 2020)

89-91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Volnay Les Santenots 1er Cru has a well-defined but stubbornly backward bouquet; perhaps this cuvée is beginning to close down as Moreau's cellar cools in the winter. The palate is more expressive, offering chunky black fruit and even more peppery than the La Cardeuse doe to the 50% whole bunch, although personally I might have dialed that down a little, as I find the finish a bit too stemmy at the moment." - Neal Martin (Jan 2020)