As the wine has just literally landed in Australia it needs some time to truly show at its best although it is still a superb, supple drink and will certainly eclipse the recent 2006 and 2007 versions we have offered (which were both superb value). The 2009 is already looking open-knit and very seductive with pure, vibrant and juicy fruit to the fore. It's apparent that the 2009 is going to provide sensational drinking pleasure over the short to medium term and while there may be no dearth of quality/value to be found among many 2009s; we have tasted very few wines of this 'level' that have over-delivered on such a scale. Furthermore, while Francoise & Denis don't give their wines away, they've managed to remain perpetual values for Burgundy aficionados for years now.

Harvested under perfect conditions, the fruit for this bottling comes from several parcels the Côtes de Beaune Villages AOC (not to be confused with the Côtes de Beaune or the lesser Hautes Côtes de Beaune, west of the town appellations.) The predominant soil type is classic chalky clay of the lower Côte. Around 90% of the fruit is de-stemmed and given a 10 day 'cold soak' maceration before completing fermentation in barrel, of which 10% is new. In short traditional methods are utilised to give terroir centre stage. Right now the wine is bright, intense and energetic; packed with lifted cherry fruit and hints of musk and redcurrant. It's a very pretty wine, suave and pure with juicy acidity and suave tannins framing the lovely glowing fruit. With some age you will find it gaining more richness and opulence, more texture and body. Either way it is a wonderfully graceful, medium-bodied 'gastronomic' pinot noir that comes from the chalky slopes above Santenay. A great by-the-glass option!