The 2011 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Serpentieres comes from a single parcel of 60-year-old vines that produces a maximum of three barrels per annum. There is fine transparency on the nose that is not powerful, but supremely well-defined with lifted airy scents of raspberry leaf, blackberry and a touch of soy. The palate is supple on the entry, smooth and silky in the mouth. It builds to a wonderful, complete, harmonious finish of dark berry fruit tinged with minerals. There is a gentle grip suggesting that the tannins need around 12 to 18 months to soften. This shows how good Savigny can be...in the right hands. Drink 2014-2022+ The road resurfacing on the boiling hot Tuesday afternoon of my visit almost thwarted me from reaching Domaine Jean-Marc and Hugues Pavelot (God only knows how the tar could have actually melted in those temperatures.) It was a relief to descend into the cool cellars with Hugues Pavelot who works alongside his father. He seemed guarded at first, perhaps more laconic than other young winemakers that I meet, but relaxed and opened up once we began discussing his wines. This has been a go-to address for great Savigny-les-Beaune for a number of years, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved and their 2011s are definitely worth seeking out. There is a simple approach with prudent use of oak that hovers between 15 and 30% new wood. Importer: Becky Wasserman Selection (various importers), Le Serbet, Beaune; fax 011-33-3-80-24-29-70