The fruit, which is mixed with raspberries as well as pomegranate and barberry, lilac, wild herbs and undergrowth, is distinctly clear and juicy and at the same time has a finesse in which spice and wood contribute a restrained but decisive chord. The wine always remains bright and open in its aromatics, initially showing only slight hints of earth and undergrowth, as the fruit predominates, infused with a fine, lively acidity.
Tasting note from from 31.05.2017, Copyright Christoph Raffelt
Wine information
The Pinot Noir comes from the Premier Cru site »Les Lavières« in Savigny-lès-Beaune. Savigny-lès-Beaune is located about six kilometres northwest of Beaune and, with 383 hectares, has one of the most extensive areas. The Premier Cru site »Les Lavières« lies in the direction of Pernand-Vergelesses. The domaine owns 2.61 hectares in the core of the 17.66 vineyard. The vines are around 60 years old and face south-southeast on soil that is a mixture of sandstone, sand and marl with ferruginous egg stone in the upper part and reddish-brown crumbly limestone in the lower part.
In 2014, François de Nicolay had to deal with hail again after the devastating 2013 hail, however, with much less. Instead, the cherry vinegar fly came, similar as in German vineyards, and caused crop failures. However, despite the adversities, the 2014 vintage turned out to be a beautiful, fruit-driven vintage. The Savigny was picked between September 18 and 26 and meticulously sorted out. It is the only wine in the range that did not undergo whole cluster fermentation, but was destemmed to preserve the rich fruit and leave the wine playful. To further accentuate the gorgeous fruit, the wine was bottled two months earlier than usual.
Color
bright cherry-red
Nose
The cool sour cherry fruit of the single vineyard Les Lavières from Savigny-lès-Beaune has an engaging character. The fruit, which is mixed with raspberries, pomegranate, barberry, lilac, wild herbs and undergrowth, is distinctly clear and juicy, with a finesse in which spice and wood contribute a restrained but decisive chord.
Mouth
On the palate, the Pinot is absolutely precise in its balance of fruit and spice, fine-grained tannin and tamed power. The wine always remains bright and open in its aromatics, initially showing only slight hints of earth and undergrowth as the fruit predominates, infused with a fine, lively acidity. With air and warmth, however, the Savigny becomes increasingly dark-fruited and spicy, with a texture somewhat reminiscent of Gamay. »Les Lavières" is uncomplicated, open, charming and elegant at the highest level.