2018 Domaine Jean-Marc Pavelot Aux Gravains, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru, Burgundy

The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Gravains 1er Cru has a slightly richer and more outgoing bouquet than the other Premier Crus from Pavelot, featuring opulent black cherries and wild strawberry on the nose. There is lovely purity here. The palate is very well balanced with plenty of freshness: taut on the entry but then fanning out toward the finish with white-pepper-tinged red and black fruit. There is a tingle on the tongue after the wine has departed. Excellent.

91-93 points Neal Martin vinous.com 

From the hillside Premier Cru of Aux Gravains, this Savigny lès Beaune shows the refined, quietly serious side of the appellation, shaped by limestone rich soils and a long tradition of classic Burgundian winemaking. Domaine Jean Marc Pavelot is one of Savigny’s benchmark producers, known for low yields, traditional élevage and wines built for balance, clarity and longevity. Aux Gravains is prized for producing Pinot Noir with both structure and perfume, offering a more complete and age worthy expression than many village level sites.

The colour is a bright ruby with garnet tones. Aromas are elegant and layered, showing red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, followed by rose petal, subtle spice and gentle forest floor. The palate is medium bodied and finely structured, with pure red fruit, silky tannins and a vibrant acid line that gives length and lift. There is a savoury mineral edge through the finish that adds seriousness and excellent food appeal.

Superb with roast chicken, duck, pork, mushroom dishes and classic Burgundian cuisine. Drinking beautifully now with air, it will cellar confidently for ten to fifteen years, gaining extra savoury and tertiary complexity.