Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Cuvee Arthur Girard 2019 1500ml159th Hospices De Beaune Wine Auction on the 17th November 2019 Vintage Report 2019 is a superbly concentrated vintage for red wines, having enjoyed a fine warm summer which ripened the grapes so well but with volumes a little down against the average. A key factor however is that despite the sugar levels and the concentration of fruit flavours, acidity also remained high, so we have red wines full of energy and drive. Glowing crimson purple, fresh

The 2014 Leoville-Poyferre was surprisingly backward and tight on the nose (usually it is the most expressive and generous Léoville in its youth)

The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of fruit concentration: layers of ripe blackberry and boysenberry

after 5 years of being aged in the bottle

An overtly sauvage and gamey nose adds notes of spice

Mild wood and strong reduction presently dominate the nose

perhaps even more tensile and precise than the 2015 La Mission Haut-Brion with greengage

The 2014 Smith-Haut-Lafitte has a fragrant mulberry and strawberry scented bouquet with cedar and subtle undergrowth scents emerging with time

Appellation: Hermitage AOC

and yet remain "strict" and linear

Merlot 45%

salting and spices

buttered toast