Simone Bize 2022

So I ask myself: would I rather have one bottle, or nearly a full case, for the same money? I’m always a quality-over-quantity guy. But here’s the thing. When it comes to Savigny, the quality doesn’t get any better than Simon Bize Aux Vergelesses.

This is the reference point. When people talk about what Savigny can be at its very best, this is the wine they’re measuring against, whether they know it or not.

Aux Vergelesses is the Domaine’s top Savigny cuvée, from a premier cru on the northern side of the village, right up against Pernand-Vergelesses and looking across at the hill of Corton. It shows. In the glass you get bright, crunchy red cherry and raspberry, a lift of rose petal and spice, and that savory, almost ferrous edge that tells you exactly where you are. The tannins are fine-grained, the acidity keeps everything moving, and the finish has a lingering, mineral tension that’s pure Côte de Beaune. Young, it’s vibrant and energetic. Give it time and it settles into something silky and layered that drinks well above its appellation.

I’ve been drinking this wine since I got into the business in the early ’90s. It’s always been an if-you-know-you-know bottle, passed between people who care more about what’s in the glass than what’s on the label. The last few years it’s gotten harder to come by. But when I see it, I buy it. Every time.

This is a re-load on the 2022, only a couple of cases available.