Philippe Colin established his domaine in 2004; he had previously worked alongside his father and brother at the family domaine, Michel Colin-Deleger. (His brother, Bruno, founded his own domaine around the same time.) Domaine Philippe Colin’s holdings stretch approximately 30 acres with vineyards mainly in the Chassagne-Montrachet area but also in Santenay, Puligny- Montrachet and Saint-Aubin. He covers 24 appellations in total through his selections, which are classified as Bourgogne, Village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. Philippe upholds the philosophy of respecting the vineyards, intervening as little as possible to allow the purest expression of terroir to shine through, as each plot is markedly different. Philippe Colin recently purchased Topiary Estate in Franschhoek, South Africa.

100% pinot noir. Les Gravières vineyard  40 year old vineyard is the largest 1er Cru in Santenay. The shallow soils are composed of sand, limestone and marls. Handpicked. Fully destemmed. Pre-cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Three week maceration with a few pigeages and pumping over. Aged 13 months in 228l barrels (35% new). 

Attractive iodine-tinged bouquet that gains intensity in the glass, revealing hints of black truffle in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and a powdery texture. It clams up a little on the finish, which feels a little rustic, but it should develop more clarity by bottling time.