Tasting Note                         

91       1996 Louis Jadot Santenay Clos de Malte 5/22/05 ($25)

Color: Dark red raspberry with some garnet, but no onion skin to speak of. Looks ready, but not at all old. (3.0) Bouquet: Prominent mineral and game complexity in a classy package of red raspberry fruit. Excellent acidity and very attractive and perfumy. (3.5) Body: Excellent acidity with a touch of tannin supporting just enough fruit and a very Santenay terroir. Big for Santenay, particularly at this age. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but fruit could be bigger and sweeter here. Acidity and minerality are prevalent. (2.5) Finish: Long, intense minerals with musky, game complexity surrounded by an attractive silkiness. Has a veal-stock flavored richness that compensates for the lack of forward fruit. (3.5)
Overall: The oldest and most ageworthy Santenay that I have ever drunk. Not necessary the best I’ve ever drunk, but its concentrated terroir flavors combined with silky elegance make it very compelling and satisfying, despite a slight deficiency in fruit. Clearly an overacheiver for this producer and appellation. This wine has tasted and scored consistently all through its development. Its structure and lively flavor suggest a younger wine. If it had the fruit to match, it might improve for several more years, but as it is drink now. (15.5)