In a vintage where most Burgundians promoted rapid fermentations and eschewed punch-downs, the immensely impressive, dark ruby-colored 2003 Santenay underwent a 25 day cuvaison with 4 pigeages per day during the tumultuous period of fermentation (“the fruit was ripe, I wanted to get as much of it as I could”). Its waxy blackberry aromas lead to a medium to full-bodied personality that assaults the taster with oodles of suave black cherries and cassis. Ample and silky-textured, it envelops the palate in fruit, then lingers, revealing an admirably long finish. An outstanding villages Santenay? Yes! Drink this hedonist’s delight over the next 5 years. Becky Wasserman Selection / Le Serbet; French Fax: 011-33-3-80-24-29-70, various American importers, including Veritas Imports, Beverly Hills, CA; tel. (310) 205-3800