Lignier-Michelot Morey Saint Denis 'Rue de Vergy' 2018
Plenty of great Burgundy due to arrive during the second half of 2020. The new releases from Lignier-Michelot are now here and within hours of showing up, we pulled the cork on this wine. Due to the warmth of the vintage, and as was suggested by Burghound, there is plenty of generosity in these wines. This shows a strong concentration of dark primary fruit, spiced cherry and hints of cassis. Flavours are cool, clean and precise. But then the second half of the palate is awash with fresh acid and great integration of fine tannins. On revisiting the bottle 24 hours later, the primary fruit seemed to have been tamed and more savoury, black soil complexity was coming through. This being the case, I would suggest a long decant if drinking this wine young. Or patiently cellar it and watch it develop over the next decade. 70% whole bunch fermentation was used here which has been soaked up quite easily by the quality of fruit that is on display. Ches Cook, FWC.
This tiny vineyard of just over 3 hectares borders directly on to 3 Grand cru vineyards (Bonnes Mares, Clos de Tart and Clos des Lambrays) and Virgile owns 1.9 ha of vines planted 1975 bordering on to those Grand cru's. 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. A stunning village site and from his fabulous holding this wine looks closer to Premier cru standard than village in intensity and detail. in 2018 this cuvee has 70% whole bunches in the ferment which lasted for 3 weeks with the final week at 30-31c lightly covered with a little CO2. Super fine tannins in 2018.
'(70% whole cluster). A notably cooler nose reflects notes of cassis, blueberry and plenty of floral elements. The quite finely detailed and lightly stony middle weight flavors possess a suave mid-palate mouthfeel while culminate in a lingering bitter cherry pit-inflected finish. Good stuff, especially for a villages level Morey St. Denis. Drink 2025+' (89-91) points. Allen Meadows, Burghound.com.