1999 Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Lavieres 1er Cru Chandon de Briailles

Still absolutely in a red spectrum right through to the rim; a spiced plum bouquet shows some smoky bacon oak – characters that come through on the rich, supple palate. It has the depth and power expected of ’99, and is just opening the first chapter of a long book. Savigny-Les-Beaune is noted more for elegance than power, but my guess that this wine would stand up to the challenge of a spicy version of beef bourgignon was correct, the rain on the roof (so rare) a perfect coda. At the end, I had to remind myself that this is a 10-year-old pinot – or is 10-years-young a better glass half full?