2016 Albert Bichot Santenay Premier Cru Clos Rosseau 750 ml

We never turn down a challenge, and today we’re proud to finally share we’ve found it: the uncommon, extraordinary red Burgundy that combines incredible value with Premier Cru pedigree AND multiple top critic scores is here. 

The 2016 Albert Bichot is the rarest type of red Burgundy, with dual 93-point scores (the Burgundy equivalent of a 98, in our opinion) and hailing from a landmark vintage even the notoriously restrained Master of Wine Jancis Robinson summarized in London’s Financial Times as “seriously delicious.” 

Even at its $59 suggested retail price, this effusive Santenay still knocks value out of the proverbial park, earning Wine Enthusiast Editors’ Choice honors (indicating a top value) for its “juicy character” and deep concentration. But today it’s this find is a home run at the best price in the nation: $45 price per bottle.

Needless to say, we’re stocking up on this hyper-limited Premier Cru Clos Rousseau. With all the elegance and purity characteristic of the 2016 vintage, a beautifully perfumed bouquet of dried rose petals leads into alluring spice box aromas, accented by sandalwood and subtle cinnamon undertones. 

In her 2016 vintage report, Jancis Robinson urged her readers to explore Santenay reds for their freshness and body, and indeed there is a power to this Pinot with its tension and impressive delivery. Layers of wild raspberry, earth, and spice are laced throughout a silky texture that gains complexity as it develops on the palate. 

The Bichot family has lived in Burgundy since the 14th century and has been making outstanding wines there since 1831, giving them access to the region’s best vineyard sources—including this Clos Rousseau plot. 

In the southernmost reaches of the Côte de Beaune on the slopes of Mont-de-Sène, Clos Rousseau’s hard brown limestone soils are prized for imbuing Pinot Noirs with both a fleshy generosity and a nervy structural backbone. Santenay has been prized since the ancient Romans first discovered its special magic, naming the region Santinae Aquae for the “beneficial waters” they attributed to its unique terroir. 

The current Bichot generation, led by Albéric Bichot, refuses to rest on the laurels of this historic terrain. Albéric introduced organic viticulture in the family’s vineyards and continues to push the envelope on quality. Organic farming in this part of the Côte de Beaune is still decidedly rare, but his efforts are clear in every sip of this beautiful Santenay.  

Though 2016 Burgundy might go down as one of the greatest vintages of the last decade, a devastating frost ensured that only a fraction of a normal crop was able to benefit from it. And while that was great for the concentrated quality of the few grapes that did make it into the bottle, it also means that only a few cases of Bichot’s 2016 Premier Cru Clos Rousseau were imported to the US. 

An incredible Burgundy steal for collectors and Pinot lovers alike, this is one 2016 to grab by the case while you still can.