Improbably, reports Gambal, his 2006 Savigny-les-Beaune Vieilles Vignes required less triage than had the corresponding 2005. Relatively light in color, it is sweetly red-fruited with nut oil and slightly caramelized underlying suggestions as well as village-typical notes of smoldering leaves. While less brightly juicy than the corresponding Bourgogne, this boasts a winsome sweetness and silken texture. I would plan on enjoying it over the next 2-3 years. The 40% of Alex Gambal's acreage and contract fruit that constitutes Pinot Noir faced in principle – like those of other vignerons – greater challenges in 2006 than did his Chardonnay. But I find his results in red more satisfying. (For a report on Gambal's 2006 whites, consult issue 180, and for more about this American ex-pat's negociant operation and methods, readers are referred to issue 171.) The 2006 Pinots here harbor typically between 13 and 13.5% natural alcohol. Lesser appellations in red went to bottle already at ten months, and the rest after around 15 Various regional U.S. importers

Combines fresh cherry and berry flavors with herb and mineral notes. There's a firm underpinning of tannins, and the fruit peeks through again on the long finish. Best from 2011 through 2017. 180 cases made.??–BS??Region: France / Burgundy / Savigny-lès-Beaune Select to Add