2011 Savigny Les Beaune Les Lavieres
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Lavieres comes from the domaine-s 2.61 hectares of vines planted in 1954. It has a well-defined nose with dried herbs infusing the red plum and cranberry fruit. Yes, it is slightly leafy, but it is well defined and poised. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins. There is a little hardness here, although the judicious dash of black pepper on the finish is welcome. This premier cru just needs to loosen up in bottle. Drink 2016-2023. The wines from Domaine Chandon de Briailles have not been reviewed in this publication for (what appears to be) a number of years. I have encountered some decent wines recently, and this is just a small inroad to their portfolio that I hope to expand upon in subsequent reports. Importers: David Bowler Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 807-1680; Ideal Wines & Spirits, Medford, MA; www.idealwine.us; Beaune Imports, Berkeley, CA; (510) 559-1040; www.beauneimports.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Light-medium red. Pungent aromas of red berries, cherry, sandalwood, rose petal and peppery herbs. Juicy, savory and dry, with red fruit flavors currently overshadowed by minerals, herbs and peppery spices. Shows a smokiness that reminded me of Cote-Rotie but the texture is all pinot. Finishes with dusty tannins and repeating pepper and spice notes.
Stemmy character – like their Pernand-Vergelesses, but smoother and more complete. Bright acid, light body. (RH)
(from south-facing vines on the upper hillside, which features shallow top soil and a lot of limestone): Bright medium red. A pretty coulis of red fruits on the nose, given punch by rose petal, sexy brown spices and crushed stone. Tightly wound, even youthfully tough, with strong minerality contributing to an impression of inner-mouth tension. Lovely tangy red fruits here, complicated on the end by saline soil tones. From a massale selection planted in 1956--the same vines as the Fourneaux.