Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru 'Aux Vergelesses', Jane Eyre, 2020
Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru 'Aux Vergelesses', Jane Eyre, 2020
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2040
Whether crafting wines from the Côte-d'Or, Beaujolais, or her native Victoria, Jane's wines exude her distinct style—delicate and inviting, adorned with supple tannins and vibrant, luscious fruits.
Through gentle extraction techniques, thoughtful oak usage, and early bottling, Jane has created Burgundies that are accessible and appealing even in their early stages.
Currently showing its primary fruit in full glory, with those violet aromatics and bright cherry flavours at their most expressive. Over the next two to three years, expect the whole bunch spice to integrate more fully whilst secondary notes of earth and sous-bois develop. The wine should reach its sweet spot around 2028-2034, when fruit and earth achieve perfect balance.
What the critics say:
"Elegant and perfumed, with somewhat pronounced aromas of plum and violets, underscored by an earthy, smoky quality. The texture is silky and the finish relatively long. The fruit was sourced from a southeast-facing parcel located mid-slope in the centre of the vineyard in Les Vergelesses, looking over to the hill of Corton. The grapes were fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged in 350-litre barrels."
"The vineyard is located in the upper part of this famous parcel on an east-facing slope looking over to the hill of Corton. 30% whole bunch, 25% new oak. Just bottled. Good drive and tension with very pure fruit flavours: violets and a hint of mushrooms. I can't see how any modern burgundy lover would be disappointed by this subtle, beautifully balanced wine that is already drinking beautifully. I may be under-scoring it… It may not last forever but it is pretty impressive on the finish."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright ruby with a translucent rim that catches the light beautifully.
NosePure violet aromatics leap from the glass, followed by fresh red cherry and a whisper of forest floor. There's something almost perfumed about the way the fruit presents itself, with subtle spice and a hint of mushroom earthiness adding complexity without weight.
PalateThe attack is graceful and immediate, with supple tannins framing bright red fruit that dances across the palate. Mid-weight and perfectly balanced, there's genuine tension here—the wine feels alive and energetic rather than simply pretty. The whole bunch component adds a gentle spice that lifts rather than dominates.
FinishClean and persistent, with violet notes returning alongside a mineral backbone that speaks to the limestone soils.
Overall impressionThis is Burgundian elegance distilled into its purest form—accessible now but built with enough structure to reward patience.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this would find its way to tables laden with coq au vin made with the same wine, the rich sauce complementing the earthy undertones whilst the wine's acidity cuts through the butter and cream. Local charcuterie—perhaps jambon persillé or a selection of terrines from the markets of Beaune—would show off the wine's fruit purity. Come autumn, wild mushroom dishes reign supreme: cèpes sautéed simply in butter and garlic, or a rustic mushroom tart that echoes the wine's own forest floor notes. The Burgundians also know that their reds pair beautifully with roasted chicken, the bird's crispy skin and herb stuffing creating a harmony that's become the region's signature pairing.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 14-15°C—cool enough to preserve the delicate aromatics but warm enough to allow the fruit to express itself fully. No need for lengthy decanting with this accessible style, though a gentle pour into the glass an hour before serving will help the violets bloom. Choose Burgundy glasses if you have them, or any bowl with a gentle taper that concentrates those beautiful aromatics without overwhelming them. This wine rewards gentle handling and rewards it handsomely.
The Aux Vergelesses vineyard sits on the upper slopes above Savigny-lès-Beaune, with this particular parcel enjoying an east-facing exposure that catches the gentle morning sun whilst avoiding the harsh afternoon heat. The soils here are典型的 Burgundian limestone and marl, providing excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture to keep the vines comfortable through summer. This elevated position and aspect creates wines with natural tension and purity, as the cooler temperatures preserve the delicate aromatics that make Savigny so appealing.
Savigny-lès-Beaune sits in Burgundy's sweet spot—serious enough to command respect, approachable enough to drink without ceremony. The commune's premier crus, including Aux Vergelesses, occupy the higher slopes where limestone soils and cooler temperatures create wines with more structure than the village bottlings below. Compared to neighbouring Beaune, Savigny tends toward elegance over power, whilst offering better value than the grand crus of Gevrey or Chambolle. It's Burgundy for those who understand that finesse trumps muscle every time.
We'll be honest: 2020 in Burgundy was a vintage that kept everyone on their toes. A warm, dry spring brought early budbreak, then summer turned properly scorching with temperatures hitting 40°C in August. The saving grace came from perfectly timed August rains that rescued the vines from serious drought stress, followed by ideal September weather that allowed for unhurried picking. Yields were mercifully normal after several years of frost-ravaged harvests, and crucially, the heat never tipped into the jammy territory that can plague warmer vintages here.
What emerged were wines with surprising freshness despite the heat, showing ripe fruit balanced by good acidity and lovely mineral precision. The reds have more immediate charm than the structured 2019s, with silky tannins and generous Pinot Noir character, whilst the whites display beautiful richness without losing that crystalline Burgundian tension we adore. This isn't a legendary vintage like 2005 or 2010, but it's thoroughly delicious and more approachable in youth than many Burgundy vintages. The village wines are drinking beautifully now, Premier Crus are just hitting their stride, and the Grands Crus will reward patience for another five to ten years.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Think pure violet aromatics with bright red cherry fruit, earthy mushroom undertones, and beautifully supple tannins. It's elegant rather than powerful, with a graceful balance that makes it utterly charming.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully right now and will continue to give pleasure until 2040. The primary fruit is at its most expressive currently, whilst secondary complexity will develop over the next few years.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Classic Burgundian matches work perfectly: coq au vin, roasted chicken with herbs, wild mushroom dishes, or quality charcuterie. The wine's elegance means it won't overwhelm lighter dishes whilst having enough structure for richer preparations.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 14-15°C in Burgundy glasses or similar bowls that concentrate the aromatics. No need for lengthy decanting—just gentle handling and perhaps an hour of breathing time to let those violet notes fully express themselves.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
It's built for medium-term cellaring rather than decades in the cellar.
How does this compare to other Burgundies?
This represents Savigny-lès-Beaune's house style—more elegant than powerful, more accessible than austere. It offers genuine premier cru quality at a level that doesn't require years of patience to enjoy.
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