I am relatively new to Burgundy and have really liked what I’ve tasted from Pavelot…unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to taste a lot. Any information would be appreciated, particularly about the following:
How do the various vineyards compare (style, ability to age, etc.)?
What is the typical aging curve? Very generally, best around 10 years from vintage? When, does it typically shut down?
Does Pavelot/SLB “follow” the general patterns of Burgundy, i.e., if 2010 is a great year for red Burgs, it should be a great year for Pavelot?
Is Pavelot fairly “typical” in terms of style for SLB?
Any other SLB producers I must try, particularly with good QPR? I have not had any Simon Bize…gotta rectify that.
If there’s any question that I’ve neglected, please chime in.
I believe Aux Guettes is higher up the slope and consequently a little leaner and shows more rocky mineral. Dominode is lower in the valley and more south facing, so it is a little plusher.
I haven’t had enough of either to make a call, but I have particularly enjoyed the Aux Guettes…and it looks like 2010 was the last vintage for this wine.
Brian, good call on Rob Panzer. You led me to his website, which has a bucketload of info:
Peuillets: fruit-forward, friendly, early-drinker
Guettes: quite restrained, sometimes a bit hard, needs time
Serpentières: mineral, pure, needs time
Narbantons: complete, deep, needs time
Depends on the vintage and the wine. In my experience, except for the Peuillets, these shut down earlier than other wines and I’m not touching mine before waiting at least 10 years after the vintage.
Don’t know, but stick to Côte de Beaune vintage assessments rather than to Côte de Nuits vintage assessments. This makes a difference, e.g. in 2006.
Can’t say. So far I haven’t arrived at saying what’s typical for Savigny-lès-Beaune.
As to questions four and five, many of my wines from this area (Savigny or Pernand) are from Pavelot or Chandon de Briailles (answering the question about other producers). I find Pavelot to be richer and tougher (esp. when young). I find CdB to be silkier and more elegant, but many times without the richness of Pavelot.
Another excellent producer for wines from these parts is Dublere. I have only had young wines from Blair, not mature ones yet, but the ones I have had have been good.
I think the 8-10 year window (from vintage) is generally a good window to open the 1er Crus but that will vary depending on vintage and at what stage you enjoy Burgundy. Pavelot tends to, if anything, excel in more difficult vintages and be the reference for the SLB appellation.
Howard thanks to you as well. I have had several of Blair’s wines and I’m trying to let them age a bit. I checked in with one of his SLB’s just a few days ago:
Flavors generally follow the nose with the addition of a green herbal element and sour cherries. Very balanced with a nice dose of acidity and barely perceptible tannins. A bit thin on the palate, silky mouthfeel, finish is medium and clean. I don’t see this making old bones or improving much – maybe it will put on a bit of weight – but should drink well through 2020. (87 pts.)