2022 Jean-Marc Pavelot Aux Gravains Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru, Burgundy

The 2022 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Gravins 1er Cru has an altogether different nose to the Les Lavières: more sultry and backward, yet similarly compelling, tobacco leaf and autumn bonfire scents percolating through the red fruit. The medium-bodied palate has a fluid entry, caressing with pliant, saturated tannins and a keen thread of acidity. The very pure finish has the sapidity to beckon you back for more. Lovely. Drink: 2024 - 2038.

92-94 points Neal Martin, Vinous Nov 2023

This too is really quite aromatically pretty with its airy if slightly riper and more floral-suffused mix of black raspberry, cherry, poached plum and warm earth that are trimmed in enough oak influence to mention. The super-sleek and almost painfully intense flavors possess fine length on the tautly muscular, firm and austere finish that is like rolling tiny rocks around the mouth. This is first-rate and a wine that should richly reward extended keeping. Drink 2032+ Sweet Spot-Outstanding!

93 points Burghound, April 2024

Aux Gravains is one of the hidden gems of Savigny lès Beaune, a Premier Cru vineyard capable of producing Pinot Noir with far more depth and structure than many expect from the village. Jean Marc Pavelot has long been regarded as one of Savigny’s benchmark producers, crafting wines that remain beautifully traditional in spirit while delivering purity, balance and remarkable ageing potential. Family run for generations, Domaine Pavelot consistently turns out some of the Côte de Beaune’s smartest buys for Burgundy lovers who value authenticity over hype.

The 2022 vintage brings together richness and precision in impressive fashion. Layers of black cherry, wild raspberry and red currant flow through the glass alongside notes of rose petals, clove and crushed herbs. There is a darker, more savoury edge to Aux Gravains compared with some of the estate’s more delicate cuvées, with hints of forest floor, tea leaf and earthy spice slowly unfolding as the wine opens. The tannins are fine yet persistent, giving the wine shape and quiet authority, while bright acidity keeps everything energetic and lifted through the long mineral finish.

This is a superb food wine with enough structure to handle richer dishes. Duck confit, slow roasted pork shoulder or mushroom ragù with handmade pasta would all be sensational. It would also shine beside game birds and earthy winter cooking while the wine gradually reveals more floral and savoury detail in the glass. Already immensely satisfying with a decant, though the balance and concentration suggest another decade or more of graceful development ahead.