The 2016 Santenay 1er Cru Les Prarons was touched by some frost this year, affecting around 20% of the vines. Nevertheless, it is very well defined on the nose, quite stony and introverted at the moment, with blacker fruit than the Santenay Charmes. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannin and good depth, but it just misses a little brightness and tension on the finish when compared to the Maranges. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

The 2015 Santenay 1er Cru Les Prarons, from particularly limestone soils, had a mild reduction on the nose, but that soon shook off to reveal plump raspberry coulis and Morello scents, a touch of cold stone emerging with time. The palate is very well balanced, perhaps the most harmonious of Bachelet-Monnot's red 2015s with very fine tannin, and bridled with plenty of redcurrant and cranberry fruit. It needs just a little more substance towards the finish however, I appreciate the refinement and elegance of this Santenay that has style and grace.

The 2014 Santenay 1er Cru Les Prarons, located on the Chassagne side of the appellation, was showing a little more reduction than the Charmes when I tasted it, the fruit seemingly darker and a little more introspective. The palate is medium-bodied with quite bold tannin matched by plenty of blackberry and raspberry fruit, structured and voluminous towards the finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is another outstanding Santenay from Bachelet Monnot.