2011 Domaine Chandon de Briailles, Savigny-les-Beaune, Les Lavieres, Premier Cru Red Burgundy, France.
This gorgeous Pinot Noir from Chandon de Briailles shows the total commitment to quality this domaine strives for, Chandon de Briailles is Demeter certified 100% biodynamic, organic and each wine is a pure showcase of terroir and vintage. I have been lucky over the years to follow Domaine Chandon de Briailles, and even recently taste back to the 2001 vintage, these are wonderful Burgundy expressions and while savvy wine enthusiasts have known about this under the radar label, I’m going to recommend scoring these 2011 wines, they are vastly underrated and showing beautifully now, and they will age delightfully too, especially sexy and alluring is Domaine Chandon de Briailles’ Les Lavieres Premier Cru Savigny-les-Baune 2011. I’ve tasted this on two occasions over the last year and sampled three different bottles with consistent results, which I must say were great experiences, this is a classy and elegant wine with inticing perfume, mineral charm and detailed fruit, it shows violets and rose petals, kirsch, lavender oil, tea spice, light earthy notes, a hint of stems, along with a core of black cherry, raspberry and plum fruit. The wine is seductive, smoothly textured with silky mouth feel and good length, it is about 12.5%, but feels dense and medium full on the palate with nice tension, some savory elements in the background and a solid push of acidity driving it, this is really a fine Cote de Beaune that is expertly crafted, no new oak used or needed and partial whole cluster, about 20% stems, adding intensity and complexity, drink from 2015 to 2022.
($52 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive