Bruno Clair - Savigny-lès-Beaune La Dominode 2020

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Savigny-lès-Beaune wine is produced in the commune of Savigny-lès-Beaune in Côte de Beaune of Burgundy. The Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) Savigny-lès-Beaune may be used for red and white wine with respectively Pinot noir and Chardonnay as the main grape variety. The name of the appellation is sometimes written simply as Savigny, without the -lès-Beaune suffix. The production consists of slightly over 85 per cent red wine, and slightly less than 15 per cent white wine. There are no Grand Cru vineyards within Savigny-lès-Beaune.

In 2008, there was 347.82 hectares (859.5 acres) of vineyard surface in production for Savigny-lès-Beaune wine at village and Premier Cru level, and 13,359 hectoliter of wine was produced, of which 11,443 hectoliter red wine and 1,916 hectoliter white wine. Some 249.96 hectares (617.7 acres) of this area was used for the red wines in 2007. The total amount produced corresponds to almost 1.8 million bottles, of which slightly over 1.5 million bottles of red wine and a little over 250,000 bottles of white wine.

For white wines, the AOC regulations allow both Chardonnay and Pinot blanc to be used, but most wines are 100% Chardonnay. The AOC regulations also allow up to 15 per cent total of Chardonnay, Pinot blanc and Pinot gris as accessory grapes in the red wines, but this is not very often practiced. The allowed base yield is 40 hectoliter per hectare of red wine and 45 hectoliter per hectare for white wine. The grapes must reach a maturity of at least 10.5 per cent potential alcohol for village-level red wine, 11.0 per cent for village-level white wine and Premier Cru red wine, and 11.5 per cent for Premier Cru white wine.

1.1438 hectares - Clay limestone - East/north-east - 250m - Planted 1902 - 20–30% whole bunches; 10–15 days maceration in wooden vats - 18–20 months in oak barrels; approx. 40% new barrels

Bruno Clair Description

The family history at Domaine Bruno Clair is quite complex, as is often the case in wine estates in Burgundy. Beginning in 1919 and proceeding forward Bruno represents the sixth generation of winegrowers.

From 1986 the estate comprised 17 hectares spread over the villages of Marsannay, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Vosne-Romanée and Savigny-Les-Beaune. From 1990 they added parcels in Chambolle-Musigny, Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Bonnes-Mares: acquired gradually – it had previously been rented. To date, the estate comprises 27 hectares across 8 villages, and produces 32 different appellations.

Today the whole family is involved: Edouard, their eldest son, Margaux and Arthur. Each of the children now has a specific role.

Inside Burgundy: 92-95 Points

The Clairs were not convinced by using 50% whole bunch vinification on La Dominode in 2019 so have cut back to 20% this year. Rich complete crimson purple. A noble nose here with intensity but understated. A sweetness to the fruit at the back as well. Pretty near perfect.

Burghound: 91-94 Points

This is aromatically similar to the Jarrons though the floral and spice elements are a bit more pronounced. There is excellent intensity to the delineated and denser middle weight plus flavors that brim with both minerality and dry extract, all wrapped in a similarly austere, focused and lingering finish that flashes evident power. At least some patience advised.