Hubert Lignier Morey St Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes

Burghound 91-94: a .65 ha blend of two lieux-dits with 50 to 100-year-old vines that is from two thirds Les Faconnières, and the remainder is from Les Chenevery. A restrained but beautifully layered nose grudgingly offers up its aromas of black cherry, crushed anise and newly turned earth. There is slightly better density to the overtly powerful and more obviously mineral-driven medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a firm, serious and compact finale. This too virtually always ages well and the 2023 version should be no exception.*Burghound Sweet Spot Outstanding!

Vinous 93-95: The 2023 Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru comes from the usual three lieux-dits. It has an intense bouquet with cool but focused blackberry, briar and light flinty scents. The palate is medium-bodied and very well balanced, with finely sculpted tannins and seductive creaminess to the texture in the finish. Frequently one of Laurent Lignier's finest cuvées, this is just wonderful.

Jasper Morris 92-95: Mostly Faconnières. Rich dark crimson with the most fruit to date, fully ripe. The palate offers a balanced headiness, with a fruit dark enough to include some plums. This is the more hedonistic of the two but I think my preference comes down narrowly on the more cerebral Chaffots. Drink from 2032-2038. Tasted Dec 2024.