2003 Alex Gambal Volnay "Les Santenots"

[wondersofwine]

I purchased this Premeier Cru red Burgundy from Burgundy Wine Company in New York City.
I've met Alex at several past Nantucket Wine Festivals and think he is a negociant worth following although his prices are increasing along with the rest of the Burgundies.

13% alcohol
Pretty crimson color with purple shadings and slight transparency. Fragrant and appealing nose. Whisp of clove with cherry scent dominant over rhubarb. Soft and seductive on the palate. Very fine tannins. Beautiful "feminine" Volnay that would be versatile with many foods. Did not suffer from overripe grapes or elevated alcohol despite the hot summer in Europe in 2003. I drank this the first night with potato and cheese pierogies.

[dananne]

Sounds like exactly the type of PN I like, and I've seen it on the shelf at one of my local shops (even though what I've seen may not have been an '03). Thanks for the nice notes, and I'll go grab a couple.

[TheEngineer]

DA, Alex is a former Bostonian who did what many of us wish they could do, drop everything and start life in Burgundy. As such, he is probably more in tune with North American tastes.

[winophite]

Just out of curiosity, what is the approx price range of a premier cru such as this? WP

[wondersofwine]

Not certain what I paid. Wine-searcher.com has both the 2003 and 2005 listed at about $50-$55. Limited production and distribution. Alex told me about a year ago that he did not have a distributor in either Virginia or North Carolina (some of his wines used to be available at Tastings in Charlottesville, VA.) Zachy's and Burgundy Wine Company in New York are sources. Also some California wine shops and probably some in Boston area as Alex has ties to Boston.