2023 Lignier-Michelot Morey-Saint-Denis en la rue de Vergy

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.

This tiny vineyard of en la rue de Vergy is just over three hectares in size and borders directly on to three grand cru vineyards of Bonnes Mares, Clos de Tart and Clos des Lambrays. Virgile owns 1.9 ha of vines planted 1975 situated quite high on the slope just above Clos de Tart where the limestone is quite close to the surface, similar to the highest vineyards in Chambolle Musigny which it borders on the southern side.

Other Reviews....
Once again there is a vaguely liqueur-like character to the aromas of dark currant, spice and abundant floral elements, especially violet and lilac. The mouthfeel of the lighter weight flavors is also super-sleek and beautifully detailed with more evident minerality suffusing the balanced and impressively long finale. Lovely. Drink through 2031+.
89-91 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2023 Morey-Saint-Denis en la Rue de Vergy has a more introspective nose than last year and demands coaxing, reluctantly revealing black plum and raspberry scents, hints of Earl Grey and a light marine influence. The palate is beautifully balanced with impressive red cherry and wild strawberry notes, gentle grip and a judicious touch of pepper on the finish. This is a level-up from the previous vintage. Drink 2026-2039.
90-92 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

From 55-year-old vines. Crimson ruby in colour, while the use of 70% whole bunches adds to a volatile lift on the nose. A deep red berry fruit with a saline, hillside finish, limestone and whole bunches working in harness. Drink from 2029-2034.
90-91 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy