Charles Henri Bourguignon Santenay Les Champs Claude 2017

Charles-Henri Bourgoin Santenay 'Les Champs' 2017

The Hidden Terroir of the Southern Beaune – Structure meets "Old School" Elegance

The Vibe

In 2026, the 2017 Charles-Henri Bourgoin Santenay 'Les Champs' is a fantastic "insider" bottle for those who love red Burgundy but want to avoid the astronomical prices of the Côte de Nuits. Santenay sits at the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune, known for producing Pinot Noirs that are a bit more "rustic" and "sturdy" than their neighbors in Volnay or Pommard.

The 2017 vintage in Burgundy is currently being revisited with great affection. After several years of low yields, 2017 was a classic, balanced year that produced wines with purity of fruit and high-toned acidity. Bourgoin’s 'Les Champs' (located on the slopes near the border of Chassagne-Montrachet) is a site that balances Santenay’s natural power with a certain limestone-driven lift.

The Nose

After 9 years in the bottle, the 2017 is showing a beautiful transition from primary fruit to savory complexity:

• The Fruit: Notes of wild raspberry, red currant, and sour cherry.

• The Earth: Very distinct scents of damp earth, iron, and potting soil—a classic hallmark of Santenay terroir.

• The Spice: Subtle hints of clove and black tea from the time spent in French oak.

The Taste

On the palate, the 2017 is firm, energetic, and starting to soften.

• The Texture: Santenay is famous for its "chewy" tannins. In 2026, the 2017 'Les Champs' has moved past its youthful "grip" and now feels silky but with a firm spine.

• The Profile: It is a "transparent" wine—you’ll taste the mineral crunch of the limestone soils underneath layers of pomegranate and cranberry.

• The Finish: Clean and slightly "herbal," with a lingering note of dried roses and forest floor.

📋 Product Specs (2017 Vintage)

Best Paired With:

• The Bistro Classic: Boeuf Bourguignon or Coq au Vin; the wine's acidity cuts through the rich sauce.

• The Game Match: Roasted duck breast or pheasant with a cherry reduction.

• The Earthy Choice: Anything with mushrooms—a wild mushroom tart or truffle-dusted pasta perfectly mirrors the wine's earthy "sous-bois" notes.

• The Cheese: A semi-matured Époisses or a nutty Comté.

Pro Tip: In 2026, this wine is "wide awake," but it still benefits from a quick 30–45 minute decant to shake off any bottle funk and let the red fruit aromas expand. Serve at 14–16°C—slightly cooler than a standard red—to keep the mineral "crunch" at the forefront.