Spices and flowers can be discerned in the expressive aromatics of the 2002 Santenay Le Beaurepaire. This broad, lovely, rich, suave, lush wine bastes the taster’s palate with anise, ginger, and nutmeg. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, it also possess a long, flavorful finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802. In addition, Vincent Girardin sells many of these same wines under the Baron de la Charriere label to European Cellars, Eric Solomon, New York, NY; tel. (212) 924-4949

This is an excellent wine that consumers should search out for near term drinking. The medium-bodied 1999 Santenay Beaurepaire displays rich scents of toasted nuts and butter. On the palate it has lovely depth to its flavorful, pear, hazelnut, and spice-laden personality. This is a friendly, generous wine that possesses a sultry, supple texture. It should be consumed over the next 4-5 years. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802. In addition, Vincent Girardin sells many of these same wines under the Baron de la Charriere label to European Cellars, Eric Solomon, New York, NY; tel (212) 924-4949.

Aromatically, Girardin's 1997 Santenay Beaurepaire offers perfumed white fruits. It is a fat, rich wine with lovely red berry flavors, a medium body, and an impressive finish that features notes of spiced pears. It should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.

Exhibiting an expressive nose of minerals, the Santenay Beaurepaire has a concentrated, stone and lemon-flavored, rich, medium-bodied and oily-textured personality. It should be drunk between now and 2003. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802. Note: Vincent Girardin sells wines under the Baron de la Charriere label to European Cellars (Eric Solomon, tel (212) 924-4949). The wines marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that the same vineyard designation can be found through European Cellars, but the wine may not be the same as those listed here as Eric Solomon selects his barrels.

Girardin is one of the few believers in white Santenays, having noticed that the strip of terroir possessing 1er Cru vineyards of neighboring Chassagne Montrachet continues through his commune. While others are planting Pinot Noir, Vincent pushes forward with Chardonnay. Elegant and refined, the Santenay Beaurepaire offers a floral and flinty nose followed by some boldly-stated, steely, ripe fruit. Its oily texture and long finish possess staying power. This note is the result of tastings I did in Burgundy between January 7 and January 29. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Chester, VT; tel (802) 875-2139. Note: Vincent Girardin sells wines under the Baron de la Charriere label to European Cellars (Eric Solomon, tel (212) 924-4949).