Pousse d'Or Santenay 1er cru Clos des Tavannes 2009

88-91 points Fine Wine Review: "We start with the Santenay-Clos Tavannes. The wine is spicy in the nose and shows cassis fruit and good acidity, and there is also a touch of earthiness -- a good and typical rendition from this vineyard. (Issue #133; 2011)"

90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A very ripe nose of plum and red berry fruit trimmed in light stone aromas leads to rich, earthy and very generous middle weight flavors that possess a complex, vibrant and utterly delicious finish. This is lovely and worth considering. Drink: 2016+. (May 2011)"

89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Santenay Clos Tavannes is a taut, focused wine. Dark fruit wraps around an intensely mineral core. This is an especially taut, sinewy wine that sparkles with fruit. Still, it remains inward and in need of cellaring. The Clos Tavannes is a jewel of an entry-level wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. (May 2011)"

Perhaps the best value in the Pousse d'Or portfolio. This 1er cru vineyard, with shallow soils, lies immediately adjacent to the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet and is acknowledged as the best vineyard in the oft overlooked commune of Santenay.