Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Serpentières" 2013, Michel & Joanna Ecard

Tasted at the domaine in mid-November, this 2013 Serpentières has a thick, ripe looking colour although given the gloom of the cellar its tough to be too accurate. There is a beetroot (ripe, good) and black cherry nose. Very concentrated. Black licorice. It's really quite rich, with good fruit depth. Roasted tomatoes on the nose. Produced by 80 year old vines. The only Savigny which has this level of ripeness and black fruit depth is La Dominode from Bruno Clair. Dominant fruit character reflects the domaine's decision not to use new oak barrels. Scores 25-27/30 for a Savigny premier cru. Photo is a Rembrandt version of trusty fellow taster Dr Sedgwick.