The 2016 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Gravains had a rather severe, withdrawn, almost curmudgeonly bouquet compared to Les Guettes. This did not quite deliver the same degree of fruit intensity. The palate is well balanced, quite tart in the mouth with more red fruit on display than the other 2016s from Pavelot (wild strawberry and raspberry), with a subtle mintiness emerging toward the linear finish.

The 2015 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Gravains possesses the most vivacious and animated bouquet of Pavelot's 2015s: red cherries, crushed strawberry, iodine and hints of black plum later on. There is a lot going on within these aromatics that won't sit still. The palate is exquisite: wonderful balance, filigree tannin and a velvety texture all ticked off. There is a lovely saline note that surfaces towards the finish that exhibits tremendous depth, completing a top-class Savigny that will give years of pleasure.

The 2014 Savigny-les-Beaune 1Er Cru les Gravains was a little smudged when I tasted it at the domaine: black cherry and blueberry notes coming through, though I would like to see more mineral elements once in bottle. The palate is fresh and taut on the entry, nicely structured, a little more masculine than its peers, though it cuts away in a huff towards the finish. Difficult to picture this in bottle...depends if it is still in a mood. But I appreciate its style and focus, plus the spicy aftertaste that leaves the tongue tingling.