Joseph Drouhin, Santenay (Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France) 2009

 Santenay is typically reliable in the good vintages, such as 2009. This village at the southern tip of the Cote de Beaune has never had much cachet, but if what you want is a solid red Burgundy at an affordable price, Santenay makes for a good bet. Drouhin’s ’09 Santenay is impeccably balanced, with a strong hint of minerality, and shows good intensity of red-fruited character, with firm tannins that bode well for cellaring. This wine should begin to hit its peak in 2013 and hold it for another five years or so. A bottle or two would make a wise investment in the utterly delicious 2009 vintage of red Burgundy.