Francoise & Denis Clair (Santenay)

Jean-Baptiste Clair oversees the Domaine created by his late father Denis. He was always more technically minded than his father and his wines are more consistently excellent. The Domaine has 15 hectares, producing about 2/3 red wine and 1/3 white, in the appellations of Santenay and Saint-Aubin. The Domaine is one of few still offering red Saint-Aubin, and Jean-Baptiste is so far resisting the temptation to convert his land to Chardonnay, which would offer larger yields and higher prices.

Jean-Baptiste was my first visit in Burgundy, and I was greeted by bright sunshine and bright wines. It was a tricky vintage in the vineyard for everyone, but Jean-Baptiste was particularly hard hit. Rain and frost combined to give him his smallest ever harvest, with reds most affected. However, whilst yields were small Jean-Baptiste was very happy with the quality and concentration of fruit. A more traditional vintage, Jean-Baptiste said that there was quite a lot in common with the 2021 vintage. Both are classic with fresh acidity. However, Jean-Baptiste believes this vintage to have more fruit and a wider appeal because of this