Site character seems to dominate over vintage character in a Pavelot 2006 Savigny-les-Beaune Narbantons of considerable density, and firmness of tannin. Tobacco, peat, black fruits and game are the primary themes, with a chalky sense of mineral substrate adding to the layering in a relatively austere finish. This is a cru that often puts one in mind of Bordeaux or the Rhone, but for all of the structure on exhibit here, this is not obtrusively tannic, and for all its vintage atypical heft, it gives promise of elegance over the coming 4-6 years.
Hugues and Jean-Marc Pavelot – who began harvesting September 20 – approached the fruits of this vintage with caution and were in most instances very restrained in promoting fermentative extraction. The results are mixed, but in the best instances their approach has paid off in charming, youthfully satisfying wines.
Wassserman Selections (various importers), Le Serbet, Beaune; fax 011-33-3-80-24-29-70