2023 Bruno Colin - Santenay Rouge V.V. (750ml)

Bruno Colin spent two decades working alongside his parents at the family's Domaine Michel Colin-Deléger before striking out on his own in 2003, signing his first vintage under his own name the following year. His estate has since grown to 8.75 hectares spread across five Côte de Beaune communes, and while the domaine is best known for its crisp, precise Chardonnays, Bruno vinifies his reds with the same restraint, avoiding heavy extraction or excess oak to keep the fruit's natural character intact.

This Santenay comes from the lieu-dit Les Prarons-Dessus, tucked below the hill of Santenay just beneath the celebrated Clos de Tavannes, from vines planted in 1959 on brown limestone soils mixed with stony earth. The vineyard is plowed by hand rather than treated with chemical herbicides, and the hand-picked grapes are fully destemmed, carefully sorted, and given a long, gentle fermentation to draw out flavor without harshness.

The wine shows a light ruby color with aromas of coffee and forest undergrowth. The palate is soft and elegantly structured, with a natural balance of freshness, fruit, and finesse that will only deepen with three or four years in bottle. Pair it with grilled pork chops, roast turkey, or a mild semi-soft cheese.