Lignier Michelot Morey St. Denis Faconnieres 1er Cru 2016 (750ML)

92-94 WA / 91-94 BH / 17 JR

A beautifully sited vineyard planted 1948 located just below the ‘heart’ of Clos de la Roche. Often very close to Grand cru in quality and depth.

The 2016 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Faconnières, which was blended with 70% whole-bunch fruit, has a rip-roaring bouquet with mineral-infused black fruit, crushed rose petals and hints of dried quince. I love the energy and generosity of this Morey-Saint-Denis. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannin, with blackberry and traces of tobacco. It exhibits firm grip in the mouth and delivers impressive weight and density on the finish. It will require three or four years to open up but it will be worth the wait.—Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate

Note: from 60+ year old vines

Tasting note: A background application of wood frames notably ripe yet still very fresh aromas of plum liqueur, violet, lavender and a pretty array of spice wisps. This too is overtly muscular with excellent power and drive characterizing the more mineral-driven flavors that exhibit superb persistence on the balanced finish. This will need to develop more depth to merit the upper end of my projected range but the underlying material appears to be present for that to happen. Outstanding. –Allen Meadows, Burghound

Livelier than the Vieilles Vignes with pace and freshness. Very correct. Lots to chew on. Not ridiculously expensive. Depth on the, still slightly dry, finish. –Jancis Robinson