Simon Bizes et Fils is a fifth generation Burgundian winery in Savigny-les-Beaunes south of Dijon. The Pinot Noir grapes for this 2010 bottle come from vineyards planted in 1939, 1949 and 1954.

On the eyes, it’s a translucent garnet with initial aromas of cranberry, which deepened to black cherry and plum, and eventually nut and loam as it unraveled from 11 years of being in a bottle.

The dry palate has stunningly good acidity, and is laser precise showing flavours of black cherry, preserved orange, almond skin, nestled on a bed of black soil and hint of truffle. The finish is very long and although I opened this at 11 years, I could have waited several more – the drinking window is that deep.

Suave and sophisticated, this bottle was a special treat to mark over a year into the pandemic with my family bubble.