Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Bas Liards, Pierre Meurgey, 2021
Savigny-Les-Beaune Les Bas Liards, Pierre Meurgey, 2021
- 75cl
- 13%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2032
Pierre Meurgey is a fourth generation winemaker now bottling some incredibly wines under his own name and is only now being discovered (his recent 2020s were very well regarded by Jasper Morris).
His father Henri was a courtier and oenologue in the Cote d’Or and was indeed very highly respected by all growers - Pierre is also one to watch, with the 2018 Savigny Les Bas Lairds getting a terrific four-star review from Jasper, whilst the Pernand Vergelesses 2019 is 1er Cru is also a stunner.
Currently showing primary red fruit with emerging earthy complexity, this 2021 will benefit from another year or two in bottle to fully integrate. By 2028, expect the mineral elements to become more prominent while the fruit develops deeper, more complex notes. The wine should reach its peak around 2030-2032, when primary and secondary flavours achieve perfect harmony. After 2034, the fruit may begin to fade while the earthy, mineral notes dominate.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby with bright clarity and a youthful rim.
NoseFresh red cherry and wild strawberry lead, followed by subtle forest floor and mineral notes. A whisper of violet and dried herbs adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit expression.
PalateMedium-bodied with lovely balance between fruit purity and earthy depth. The tannins are silky yet present, providing structure without heaviness. Red cherry flavours are complemented by subtle spice and a distinctive mineral backbone.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering cherry fruit and a gentle mineral echo.
Overall impressionClassic Savigny showing elegant fruit expression with the structure to develop beautifully over the next several years.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this style of Pinot Noir would traditionally accompany coq au vin made with the same local wine, or perhaps jambon persillé, the classic Easter terrine of ham and parsley. Locals might serve it with escargots de Bourgogne swimming in garlic butter, or alongside a simple roast chicken with herbs from the garden. The wine's elegance also makes it perfect with the region's famous chaource cheese, served at room temperature with crusty bread.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 14-16°C to showcase both the fruit and mineral complexity. No need to decant this village-level wine - simply open 30 minutes before serving to let it breathe. Use burgundy glasses with a generous bowl to concentrate the delicate aromatics. If you must chill it, err on the cooler side rather than too warm.
Les Bas Liards sits on the lower slopes of Savigny-lès-Beaune, where limestone-rich soils with clay deposits provide excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for the vines. The east-facing exposition captures morning sun while avoiding the harshest afternoon heat, creating ideal conditions for slow, even ripening. These cooler conditions help preserve the natural acidity that gives Savigny wines their characteristic freshness and ageing potential.
Savigny-lès-Beaune sits between the more famous communes of Beaune and Pernand-Vergelesses, producing wines that often represent exceptional value in Burgundy. The appellation covers both red and white wines, though reds dominate, typically showing more finesse than power compared to neighbouring Pommard. Village-level vineyards like Les Bas Liards offer an accessible entry point into the commune's distinctive style, which balances elegance with enough structure to reward cellaring.
The 2021 growing season in Burgundy started badly and got worse before pulling off one of wine's great escapes. Spring frost in April devastated vineyards across the Côte d'Or, followed by a summer that alternated between biblical downpours and scorching heat. Many producers lost 50% or more of their crop to the frost alone, then watched hail batter what remained in some unlucky villages. By August, with rot creeping through rain-soaked vineyards, even the most optimistic vignerons were writing off the vintage.
What emerged from this chaos surprised everyone: wines with remarkable freshness and purity, if you can find them. The tiny yields meant those grapes that survived were intensely concentrated, while the September sunshine saved the day with perfect ripening conditions. We find the reds show beautiful fruit clarity without heaviness, drinking with an immediacy that makes them irresistible now but promising a decade or more of evolution. The whites are particularly stunning, with a mineral intensity that cuts through their richness. Yes, there's not much 2021 Burgundy about, and yes, it's expensive, but this is one of those vintages where disaster bred greatness.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Classic Burgundian elegance with fresh red cherry, earthy minerality, and silky tannins - think refined rather than powerful.
When should I drink this wine?
While approachable now, it will show best from 2027 onwards and will reward patience until 2034.
What food pairs well with this?
Perfect with roast chicken, coq au vin, or mushroom dishes. The elegance also works beautifully with soft cheeses.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 14-16°C in burgundy glasses. No need to decant - just open 30 minutes before serving.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely. Village-level Savigny can develop lovely complexity over 7-8 years, and this shows the structure to reward patience.
How does this compare to other Burgundy villages?
Savigny offers more elegance than Pommard but more structure than basic Bourgogne Rouge, often representing excellent value in the region.
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