2023 Lignier-Michelot Savigny-les-Beaune

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.

From a parcel in Savigny-les-Beaune named Les Guettotes, this cuvee broadens the domaine's range beyond its Cotes de Nuits stronghold. The vines sit on well-draining soils that contribute to a wine of accessibility while retaining the structure that characterises Virgile's style.

Other Reviews....
A cooler and less expressive nose derives from the dark side of the fruit spectrum while adding subtle spice and floral elements. The supple and vibrant, if not especially dense, flavors exude evident minerality on the bright, delicious and equally refreshing finish that is slightly firmer. Drink through 2027+.
87-89 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2023 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Guettotes comes from purchased fruit. This has a refined, well-defined and focused bouquet with vivid red cherry and crushed strawberry scents. The palate is medium-bodied, clean and fresh, with light tannins and just a touch of white pepper toward the finish. Elegant in style, drink this puppy over the next five or six years. Drink 2026-2033.
88-90 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

The second vintage – Virgile destemmed the first year, but used 30% stems this time. Rich purple, a bouquet full of dark red fruit energy, with good tension behind, and the peppery end note from the stems. An attractive village level Savigny, slightly less ripe in this cooler site. Drink from 2028-2032.
89-90 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy