Robert Ampeau & Fils - Volnay 1er Cru Santenots 2001

Price: $149.99

Sale Price: $124.98

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* Not eligible for case discounts

Producer	Robert Ampeau & Fils
Country	France
Region	Burgundy
Subregion	Volnay 1er Cru
Varietal	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2001
Sku	12107357
Size	750ml

 

As fellow Master of Wine Benjamin Lewin quipped after tasting at the Ampeau cellars “The concept of the current release has virtually no meaning at Robert Ampeau.” Today’s offer of Domaine Robert Ampeau’s current vintage release of his outstanding, ready to drink Volnay Santenots Premier Cru 2001 is solid proof. 

This amazing estate crafts old school age worthy red and white Burgundy and then keeps in their very cold cellars until M. Ampeau deems them ready for market. In this case, that’s 21 years after the vintage. It is bordering on financially incomprehensible to have so much money tied up in inventory, especially given the very fair price of just $125 for a 1er Cru Volnay, but we are glad he does! 

Even in lesser vintages Ampeau excels, with his reds aging up to 30 years, and the white for up to two decades and more. But 2001 was a solid year, classically styled rather than a powerhouse. The releases here have become even more sporadic than usual, as Robert’s health has had some ups and downs as he has aged - and this is the first offer I have had since pre-covid. We are thrilled to have it in stock, but it sadly won’t last with  only a handful of cases on offer.

If you have never had the experience of drinking mature Burgundy you owe it to yourself to buy in as much as you can reasonably drink over the next couple of years.  Light ruby color with tawny highlights, this is all elegance and finesse at this point - dried cherry fruit, spice, earth and leather lead off on the nose. The palate is elegant and delicate, yet persistent and focused underneath. Subtle, nuanced, with sous bois, autumn leaves, earth and a kirschy dried red fruit middle. This is perfect with light meats like pork, veal, roasted chicken or turkey, duck, game birds such as guinea hen, quail, or squab, mushrooms.  Give it some time to breathe and open up, or perhaps decant it a few minutes before serving. Most of all enjoy the experience!

The wine has a light ruby color with tawny highlights. On the nose are scents of red berries, dried flowers and spice. The wine is soft and delicate with mouth coating tannins and freshness. Even after over 20 years the wine still has a fresh taste and can be aged even longer.