"The 2016 la Dominode chez Pavelot is a touch more reserved out of the blocks than the other premier crus in the cellar, but it shares the same precision and lovely fruit of all the wines here this year. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a blend of black cherries, cassis, a touch of eucalyptus, gentle spice tones, venison, a complex base of soil and just a touch of cedary wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and nascently complex, with a rock solid core, lovely transparency, fine-grained tannins and a long, tangy finish that closes with excellent mineral drive. A lovely wine in the making. 2023-2055." John Gilman 93p
"[$86 list] (40% of these vines are 80 years of age, according to Hugues Pavelot): Bright medium red. Pure, nuanced aromas of inky black cherry and coffee are lifted by a floral quality. Sappy and tactile on the palate, offering a lovely sweet/savory aspect to its flavors of dark fruits, flowers and spices, with an element of saline minerality giving the wine good inner-mouth tension. Quite plush and fine-grained, this wine spreads out and lingers on the finish, with broad, ripe tannins providing solid support. Late hints of flowers and mint contribute sex appeal. (Jan 2018)" Vinous 90-92 points
Size: 1.48 ha (3.66 ac)
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vine Age: Average of 35 years (as of 2021).
Terroir: 300m elevation; steep, south-facing slope; shallow, poor limestone soils.
Viticulture: Sustainable
Vinification: 9% whole-cluster. 14-day ambient yeast fermentation. Punch-downs for the first 4-5 days of fermentation followed by pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation in barrels. Aged 12 months in oak (22% new). Light filtration.
Becky Wasserman
