2010 Pavillon de Chavannes Côte de Brouilly Cuvée des Ambassades

Light, bright violet. Mineral-accented red berry scents are complemented by exotic Asian spices and potpourri. Elegant, linear and gently sweet, with a silky texture to its musky, floral-accented strawberry and raspberry flavors. Becomes brighter with air and picks up a floral pastille quality that lingers on the very long, mineral-dominated finish.

The Pavillon de Chavannes 2010 Cote de Brouilly Cuvee des Ambassades (representing as usual the second and – at least in export markets – flagship bottling for this estate) features blueberry and huckleberry in a tart, piquant, bright display. Subtle suggestions of stone, herbs, and nut oils lend intrigue to this understated but persistent cuvee that captures its vintage’s occasional trick of simultaneously soothing and invigorating. I would plan to enjoy this over the next 2-3 years. A visit with Paul Jambon impressed with the contortions of his modest-sized yet ancient vines as well as his ongoing struggle to mitigate the effects of erosion on these sheer, sandy hillsides. Importer: Vintage 59, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966 9218