2021 Maison Petit-Roy Savigny-lès-Beaune
WINEMAKER: Seiichi Saito
REGION: Burgundy, FR
VARIETY: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic
From a 0.16ha plot called ‘Les Vermots’. The vines grow on clay and limestone and were planted in 1929. It’s a cooler climate with excellent drainage. 3 day cold soak and then 3-4 week whole bunch maceration. Aged in used barrels for 12 months, then left to settle in tank for 8 months. Not fined or filtered. Minimal SO2.
A huge contrast to the 2020, which was quite powerful and still needs time. This is open and fragrant straight off the bat. Red roses, cinnamon, salt, clove, star anise, fennel pollen. Behind that is cherry, but this is more about a beautiful spice perfume, A little chocolate too. Lithe, creamy, light, dreamy and full of life on the palate. A mix of choc, strawberry and raspberry fruit. Almost weightless compared to the dense 2020. Smooth and sensual, with a creamy texture that is deep but light. New layers unfold with hints of dehydrated blood orange and cherry skin. This is really special. Perfume is immense! Tannins are fully integrated already. What a wine!
Seiichi makes a wide range of wines from throughout the Côte d'Or. A portion of these are from his own vineyards, with a surface area of just over 1.5ha. Seiichi works with nature, practicing biodynamics to ensure the grapes are healthy and of the highest quality. He also purchases grapes from other growers, as a means to make enough to survive and slowly grow his own domaine. For those new to discover Seiichi's wines, you will be pleased to know that he has a tonne of experience under his belt. He honed his craft with a long stint at Domaine Simon Bize, before spending time with some of the more prominent domaines in Burgundy, such as Leflaive, JF-Mugnier and Armand Rousseau. With a good ten year's of training and knowledge, he started his own micro-négoce operation in 2017. Seiichi is confident in his preferences, choosing to work with minimal intervention, and only using old oak for élevage. His wines are polished, sturdy, and approachable at a young age.