2023 Lignier-Michelot Coteaux Bourguignons Cuvee 823

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.

Drawn from a 0.33 ha parcel planted in 1991 just beyond the Morey‐Saint-Denis appellation, Cuvee 823 is made from 100% Pinot Noir grown on clay-limestone soils. Vinified with ambient yeasts, de-stemmed, the wine sees about 13 months in oak (5-10% new), followed by a brief period in stainless steel. The designation "823" follows the pattern of "Tank No. 8" + the vintage year (e.g. "822" = 2022, "823" = 2023).

Other Reviews....
A bright, fresh and very pinot-like nose combines notes of both red and dark fruit with soft earth elements. There is good volume and a lovely texture to the middle weight flavors that conclude in a bitter pit fruit and balanced finish. This is very good for what it is and a wine that should drink well basically up on release. Drink through 2026+.
86-89 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

100% pinot. 30% whole bunch vinification for the first time. Rich deep purple, a slightly gamey bouquet, with significant fruit intensity behind, and nothing suspicious to finish. There is adequate acidity to hold things together. A 1990s planting which is starting to reach a good level of maturity. Drink from 2026-2028.
86-87 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy