The 2011 Aloxe-Corton Village comes from a single parcel that produces just three pieces per annum. It has a fragrant, floral bouquet that exudes intense fruit concentration hoisted by the 25% new oak. The palate is very smooth and marked by a sorbet-like freshness, great purity and a sweet cherry and orange zest finish. It is quite a modern style, and perhaps I would have not used that new oak barrel, but it is still very well-crafted. Drink 2014-2020.
The road resurfacing on the boiling hot Tuesday afternoon of my visit almost thwarted me from reaching Domaine Jean-Marc and Hugues Pavelot (God only knows how the tar could have actually melted in those temperatures.) It was a relief to descend into the cool cellars with Hugues Pavelot who works alongside his father. He seemed guarded at first, perhaps more laconic than other young winemakers that I meet, but relaxed and opened up once we began discussing his wines. This has been a go-to address for great Savigny-les-Beaune for a number of years, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved and their 2011s are definitely worth seeking out. There is a simple approach with prudent use of oak that hovers between 15 and 30% new wood.
Importer: Becky Wasserman Selection (various importers), Le Serbet, Beaune; fax 011-33-3-80-24-29-70