2018 Domaine Jean-Marc Pavelot La Dominode Premier Cru, Savigny-les-Beaune

40% of these vines are 80+ years of age.

The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune La Dominode 1er Cru, picked on September 1 at 13.5% potential alcohol, is tightly coiled and more backward than the Aux Gravins, ergo I expect that this will require more bottle age. There are enticing blackberry and wild strawberry fruit aromas here, but they need time. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins and a superb line of acidity that imparts a sense of energy from the start to the saline finish, which is tangy and vivacious. This is everything you really need in a La Dominode

92-94 points Neal Martin vinous.com Jan 2020

The richest and inkiest of Hugues Pavelot's highly impressive array of Savigny Premiers Crus in 2018, this is also the firmest and most backward, reflecting its north-easterly aspect. With 30% each of whole bunches and new wood, it's a layered, structured wine with assertive grip, dark berry fruit and the concentration to age further in bottle. Drinking Window 2025 – 2032

94 points Tim Atkin decanter.com Oct 2018

A markedly spicy nose consists of dark currant, violet and earth nuances where a note of tea can be discerned. There is a lovely inner mouth perfume to the refined, velvety and caressing yet quite serious and tautly muscular flavors that also flash plenty of minerality on the powerful finish that exhibits excellent length.

91-94 points Allen Meadows burghound.com Apr 2020 Drink: 2033+