The 2011 Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes comes from a single parcel of around 0.38-hectares populated with around 20-year-old vines. It has a more voluminous bouquet than the 2011 Les Preuillets with raspberry, dark plum and subtle undergrowth scents. There is great tension here, abundant freshness and poise. There is good volume in the mouth as it fans out with rounded, lithe red berry fruit that seem natural and delineated. This should age with style over the next decade. Drink now-2023.
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