2020 Lignier-Michelot Morey-Saint-Denis Les Faconnieres Premier Cru

The Lignier family have deep roots in the village of Morey Saint Denis and own 10.5 hectares of some of the very best vineyard sites in this village,along with plots in the two neighbouring villages of Chambolle Musigny and Gevrey Chambertin. In the last 10 years Virgile Lignier has modified his wine-making using whole-bunch vinification ranging from 30-100% depending on the vintage and the vineyard, and he has also reduced the percentage of new oak for maturation with most wines seeing around 30% making its effect seamless in the final wines. They are wines which are often very seductive at a young age which also clearly have the potential for ageing superbly. This very young domaine is now regarded among the very best in the Cotes de Nuits.

Les Faconnieres is a beautifully situated vineyard located just below the ‘heart’ of Clos de la Roche, and Virgile's vines were planted in 1948. Often this wine is very close to Grand cru in quality and depth.

Other Reviews....
A cooler and more elegant nose combines notes of kirsch, dark currant, spice and a plethora of floral nuances. There is terrific intensity to the tautly muscular middle weight flavors that display evident power on the mineral-driven, super-sleek and impressively well-balanced, indeed harmonious finale. As is usually the case with this wine, it's sufficiently compact when young to need at least some patience but it will need 12 to 15 years to reach its peak. Drink from 2032+.
91-94 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2020 Morey-Saint-Denis Faconnières 1er Cru has a taut and slightly flinty bouquet. This is well-defined and focused, touches of clove and sous-bois emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, good acidity with a touch more density on the finish compared to the Aux Charmes. Cellar this for 3-5 years - this is a strong follow-up to the superb '19. Drink 2026-2048.
93-95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Not just an excellent site but with top class pinot material. One of the deepest colours but with a salutary brightness. Such a density of mixed fruits on the nose, nothing specific stands out though certainly a little more on the darker side of the register. This has both backbone and an intensity of fruit which impresses. At least halfway to grand cru in its build! Some tannins, well integrated and wonderful potential.
93-96 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy