Girardin is one of the few believers in white Santenays, having noticed that the strip of terroir possessing 1er Cru vineyards of neighboring Chassagne Montrachet continues through his commune. While others are planting Pinot Noir, Vincent pushes forward with Chardonnay. The Santenay Clos du Beauregard is floral and stony-scented. This well-balanced wine exhibits an intense mineral quality with a white pepper streak. It will be drinkable young, but it has the necessary backbone for 7 years of aging. This note is the result of tastings I did in Burgundy between January 7 and January 29.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Chester, VT; tel (802) 875-2139.Note: Vincent Girardin sells wines under the Baron de la Charriere label to European Cellars (Eric Solomon, tel (212) 924-4949).