Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Aux Grands Liards 2021
(Burgundy, France) - [BH 88-91] [JM 89-90]

About the Winery:
It was Maurice's father, Raymond, who first purchased vineyards in his local village of Pernand Vergelesses where, like his father before him, he was engaged as a vineyard worker. Maurice decided in 1955 to begin making and bottling wines from the family holdings and he developed a growing group of private clients to support his efforts. His success provided him with the resources to purchase additional vineyards, including a lovely parcel in the "Ile des Vergelesses", the most exalted of the vineyards of Pernand. By the mid-1980s, the Rollin family had accumulated ten hectares of vineyards and by the mid-1990s, Maurice and Remi determined to bottle all the wine made at the estate rather than to sell even a small percentage to negociants. In 2003, Simon Rollin, Remi's son, joined the estate as the fourth generation vigneron.

In its present state (as of 2011), the Rollin domaine covers twelve hectares of vineyards, eight of which are owned with the other four being rented via the system of metayage or fermage. The vineyards are spread over five separate communes (Pernand Vergelesses, Savigny les Beaune, Echevronne, Aloxe Corton and Chorey les Beaune). The estate produces approximately 60,000 bottles per year across fourteen separate appellations!

The vineyard work is meticulous and, although not certified organic, the methodology in practice is applied in a manner designed to maximize the expression of terroir by eliminating (or reducing to an absolute minimum) any treatments in the vineyards. All grapes are harvested manually and fermentations proceed with indigenous yeasts. The white wines are pressed gently and undergo long fermentations in barrel (except for the Aligote which is raised in stainless steel tanks) and are aged on the fine lees for twelve to fifteen months. The reds are hand-sorted in both the vineyard and at the cellar before being pressed. The maceration is long and the elevage is in small barrel with the malolactic fermentation occurring therein. In almost every instance, neither the white wines nor the red wines are fined or filtered.

About this Wine:
Not a typical Savigny-lès-Beaune, this vineyard actually lies closer to the Pernand-Vergelesses premier cru Les Fichots than it does to the main swath of Savigny proper. As such, it displays a savory limestone edge more in line with Rollin’s trio of Pernand premier crus than to more classically plump and fruit-driven examples of Savigny. With notable depth from its old vines—up to 70 years of age—it presents a firm, juicy aspect, with an attractive mentholated accent to its gleamingly pure cherry fruit. Only 20% new oak is employed.

Ratings & Reviews

88-91 Points - Allan Meadows' BurgHound:
"This is also distinctly cool with its array of ultra-fresh and pure aromas that include those of red cherry, plum, violet and an admirably discreet application of wood. Here too there is an appealing richness to the beautifully textured medium weight flavors that deliver sneaky good length on the mildly rustic finale. This is a quality Savigny villages and worth your interest." (Apr 2023)

89-90 Points - Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:
"Grands Liards was the worst hit by the frost in 2016, the least in 2021. Fine bright mid purple. The pinot quality of the bouquet is a touch more classic than the Pernand. More structure which will require longer keeping, but still perfectly in balance with the fruit which is of a darker raspberry nature. Drink from 2025-2028." (October 2022)