Patrick Landanger, Domaine de la Pousse d'Or's new owner, has taken over the winemaking duties after having graduated from Beaune's viticultural school. Having purchased the estate for 52 million Francs "because we thought it would be fun," this highly successful businessman (an electrical engineer, he made his fortune by manufacturing artificial hips and knees for replacement surgery) and his wife decided that they wanted to dedicated themselves to "making the best wines in the world." Originally intent on having a resident winemaker (who has since departed), Landanger was convinced by Henri Boillot that he should take on the responsibilities himself. He spent 15 million Francs to build a modern winery and then purchased some additional vineyards, including a parcel of the grand cru Corton-Bressandes. "I'm doing this for quality of life reasons, certainly not to make money," he said. The 1999s are the first wines he has made from harvest to bottling. The 1999 Santenay Les Gravieres has a rich spice, pear, and apple-scented nose. White fruits and oak can be discerned in its rich, fresh, well-balanced, and harmonious personality. Oak returns to the fore in its lush finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Importer: David Hinkle / Peter Vezan, North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (800) 266-6585.

Patrick Landanger, Domaine de la Pousse d'Or's new owner, has taken over the winemaking duties after having graduated from Beaune's viticultural school. Having purchased the estate for 52 million Francs "because we thought it would be fun," this highly successful businessman (an electrical engineer, he made his fortune by manufacturing artificial hips and knees for replacement surgery) and his wife decided that they wanted to dedicated themselves to "making the best wines in the world."Originally intent on having a resident winemaker (who has since departed), Landanger was convinced by Henri Boillot that he should take on the responsibilities himself. He spent 15 million Francs to build a modern winery and then purchased some additional vineyards, including a parcel of the grand cru Corton-Bressandes. "I'm doing this for quality of life reasons, certainly not to make money," he said. The 1999s are the first wines he has made from harvest to bottling.The 1999 Santenay Les Gravieres has a rich spice, pear, and apple-scented nose. White fruits and oak can be discerned in its rich, fresh, well-balanced, and harmonious personality. Oak returns to the fore in its lush finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.Importer: David Hinkle / Peter Vezan, North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (800) 266-6585.