2023 Savigny-lès-Beaune La Dominode

The standard-bearer at this address, La Dominode is one of the most concentrated wines in Pavelot’s impressive array of Savigny Premiers Crus. There’s a significant swathe of old-vine fruit, with 45% from 80-year-old vines, around 30% from 40-year-old vines, and the remainder from young vines (10-15 years in age). The 2023 has been aged in 30% new oak. This seems easy-going at first, but is in fact a very serious wine. There’s real balance to the nose, almost a zen-like peace to the mix of fruit and spice. The palate is typically multi-dimensional and complex, with silky tannins and a backbone of acidity that frames the explosive core of dark red fruit. The finish is extraordinarily long, lasting a good minute with echoes of red fruit and warmth of spice which leaves you reaching for another sip.