Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "La Dominode" 2011, Bruno Clair

As I build up to a two week trip to Burgundy I felt it appropriate to exorcise (exercise - ed?) my palate on some of the finer wines in my NYC cellar. Avid Bourgoblog readers will no doubt be familiar with this wine given the tasting notes from 2002, 2004 and 2010. My olfactory senses were not disappointed. The bouquet is a fascinating mix of wild strawberries, black cherries, ripe raspberries and sweet spices like cloves, cinnamon and vanilla. The low yielding ancient vines of "La Dominode" deliver the depth, complexity and sheer quality that one hopes for. There is also a menthol nay rhubarb edge to this Savigny 1er Cru which reflects the bright 2011 vintage. The third nose offers bready aromas that range from wholemeal to pumpernickel. And there is an overlay of blood orange - a typical 2011 feature. The palate is fresher and more citrus than the nose, combining morello cherry with satsuma and red plum. Even a hint of edible moss à la Heston Blumenthal. Like many 2011s this Savigny has a nez flatteur but is less thrilling on the palate. Scores 25/30 for a Savigny 1er Cru -- the most one could achieve in 2011. And of course what we appreciate is the vintage typicity as well as the terroir.