2014 Santenay Clos de Tavannes

Deep ruby-red. Slightly reduced aromas of sappy black raspberry and peppery herbs. Dense and sweet but reticent on the palate, suggesting fully ripe fruit and a note of caramel. Something about this sample reminded me of a Saint-Emilion. Finishes with substantial broad tannins.

The 2014 Santenay 1er Cru Clos Tavannew comes from 2.09 hectares of vine, the oldest planted back in 1929. Matured in 20% new oak, it has a red plum and mulberry-scented bouquet with moderate intensity, and a faint iodine scent in the background. The palate is grainy on the entry with slightly shrill acidity, although there is decent substance behind it and a pleasant, rather foursquare, rustic finish.