For 2005 there are some cosmetic updates from the domaine; now we have a more flared bottle shape and a it’s heavier too. The price has gone up quite a bit, which made me want not to like it, but…

2005 Jean-Marc et Hugues Pavelot, Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er La Dominode

Medium-plus colour. The nose starts as a sumptuous swirl of deep cherry and well-integrated oak, an hour from opening and it’s tighter with edges of tobacco and cocoa. Like the nose, this starts hyper-concentrated yet plush, but like the nose it’s a transitory period before it tightens to show its inner self; intensity, excellent acidity and furry tannin before a good finish. Sumptuous and hedonistic for 25 minutes, underneath there’s the power and structure for 25 years of development. Given the tightening I would suggest drinking only over the next 6 months before sleeping for at least 10-plus – but buy all you can find, and that’s despite a 30% price increase over the last 4 vintages.
Rebuy – Yes