2023, Domaine Lignier-Michelot, CLOS DE LA ROCHE, Grand Cru

Ruby purple, with a fine concentration of dark red fruit picked at optimum ripeness. The whole bunches (90%) give a further lift to the nose, while what starts well in bouquet really gains ground on the palate. Everything is perfectly in place, a really striking Clos de la Roche with a suave middle ground and long, perfectly balanced finish. As always, this is a vineyard built for ageing. Making me smile! And the best news – there are 13 barrels! ***** (5 stars) 96-98 Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy (2024). 

The 2023 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, which includes 80% whole bunch, has a beautifully defined bouquet that is more complex and terroir-expressive than the preceding Charmes-Chambertin. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy opening that disguises the insistent grip behind, a testament to Lignier-Michelot's more hands-off approach in extraction. It is refined, with lovely balance and a touch of allspice toward the finish. This is a worthy follow-up to his standout 2022. I would not be surprised if it ends up at the top of my banded score once in bottle. 95-97 Neal Martin, Vinous (2024).

Drinking Window: 2033 - 2045