2024, Domaine Lignier-Michelot, MOREY-SAINT-DENIS, 1er Cru, 'Les Faconnières'

From 60+ year old vines - the vineyard name derived from the French for falcons - and sits on stony soil below Clos de la Roche.

6 barrels instead of 15. Mid purple. A more savoury character here, really classy with a starburst of energetic raspberry-dark cherry fruit, useful tannins, allied to the right acidity makes for a perfect finish. 80% whole bunch vinification. Drink from 2030-2038.
**** 92-95 Jasper Morris MW

Here too the nose is markedly floral in character with excellent layering to the mix of red berries, spice and exotic tea. The caressing, even seductive, if vibrant and powerful medium weight flavours retain solid delineation on the impressively long, youthfully austere and well-balanced finale. This mineral-driven wine always ages well and the 2024 incarnation should be no exception. One to consider.
91-93 Burghound. Outstanding

The 2024 Morey-Saint-Denis Faconnières 1er Cru was reduced to five barrels this year and contains around 70% whole cluster. This has a pastille-like purity on the nose that is beautifully defined like the other cuvées from Lignier-Michelet. The palate is medium-bodied with silky smooth tannins, quite linear in style here, just missing a little complexity and grip towards the finish. Perhaps the one cuvée that leaves me wanting more yet still acceptable in context for the vintage.
90-92 Neal Martin.