2021, Domaine Chandon de Briailles, SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE, 1er Cru, 'Les Laviéres'

From southerly-exposed slopes (though the vines are orientated east), the 2021 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Lavières 1er Cru has a simple but fairly perfumed nose with mulberry, cranberry and hints of brown spice. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins. The 2021 is harmonious with a mixture of red plum, white pepper and thyme towards the finish. What a lovely Savigny-les-Beaune. 89-91 Neal Martin, Vinous.

The forward, accessible plummy fruit with notes of violet, earth, and savoury complexity in this Savigny premier cru are immediately engageing. Although the body is somewhat light, the fresh acidity and supple tannins carry this to an elegant conclusion. The grapes come from a 2.61-hectare parcel at the top of the slope planted in thin soils over slabs ('laves') of limestone. Half of the grapes were fermented as whole clusters to add complexity and freshness - among my favourites from Savigny this year. 94 Charles Curtis MW, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034