2014 Savigny Les Beaune Les Gravains

Good dark red. Kirsch and licorice on the nose, with less of the herbal character shown by the Guettes. Then juicy and penetrating in the mouth, with its pungent salty minerality giving cut to the middle palate. Strong soil tones emerge with aeration to add interest to the dark berry fruit. Finishes with noteworthy lift and rising perfume. A very good example from a classic vintage.

Good dark red-ruby. Tight nose hints at blackberry and licorice. Dense and juicy on the palate but much less forthcoming than the Guettes in the early going, with a strong peppery quality keeping the middle palate closed. Concentrated dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors are framed by serious tannins. Serious juice, but needs time.

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.