The nose has lovely high-toned perfume. Mouth-filling with plenty of tannin that still shows an edge of astringency. The finish is very understated, perhaps not the longest either. I’m surprised that I much prefer the 07.
Pavillon
2006 Pavillon Volnay Santenots
Hmmm – interesting wine. On the first sniff there was a hint of unwelcome aldehyde, on the second it was already transformed to flower petals. Slowly the aromas took on density if not so much depth. The flavour reminded me very-much of recently drunk Santenots – but on checking I was surprised to see that my last two were both from 2005, not 2006. There is width, a smattering of faintly astringent tannin and then a lovely extra dimension of creamy red fruit in the mid-palate. Just ripe enough and nicely plump yet almost good enough acidity. This is a very lovely glass and though perhaps missing a comparative hint of intensity, can stand next a decent bottle from 2005. Based on the price I paid, and by recent standards this is a super value bottle.
2006 Pavillon Corton-Charlemagne
Sourced from the south-facing Languettes and the first grapes harvested for the firm. The nose shows very focused, high-toned width. In the mouth its linear but with a little mid-palate richness and an understated power – but a balanced and mineral power. It’s certainly not a ‘look at me’ wine, rather one that efficiently delivers in-line with its label.