1996 Savigny Les Beaune La Dominode

Crafted from one of Burgundy's oldest parcels of vines (over 70% of them were planted in 1902), this wine is a dark ruby-color with fabulous aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, earth, and perfumed violets. Its profound, full-bodied, intense, thickly-textured, and complex character is packed with gorgeously ripe black fruits intermingled with stone, earth, and mineral flavors. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2006. Bruno Clair described this vintage as abundant (he says his Marsannays averaged 40-45 hectoliters/hectare and his other vineyards averaged yields in the 35-40 h/h range) and perfectly healthy as not a trace of rot was spotted. He went on to say that his '96s have as much as 4 grams per liter of acid, the highest level he has ever seen in Burgundy. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.