Chandon de Briailles : Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er cru "Les Lavières" 2022

Although the Savigny Les Lavières is slightly reserved initially, it opens nicely with time. An attractive plum and wild strawberry fruit aroma with notes of earth, wild herbs, and smoke brings complexity. The grapes are from a parcel of 2.60 hectares planted in 1956; they are treated to a cold soak and then fermented entirely as whole clusters. The result is powerful and tannic, but without astringency; there is a grace and elegance that is very appealing.

The 2022 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Lavières 1er Cru was bottled the week prior to my visit. This comes from more limestone soils with a light clay topsoil. The lively bouquet has plenty of energy, with crushed stone infusing the red berry fruit, touches of briar and pottery wheel. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip. Crunchy black fruit laced with graphite leads to quite a precise, persistent, classically-styled Savigny finish. Not suave or sophisticated, yet surfeit with character.