From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
This special cuvée is perhaps the most consistently exceptional wine of this domaine, with a depth that is always generous and appealing. It has it all: presence, length, power and finesse. The grapes for this wine are sourced from a contiguous parcel of .53 hectares that traverses the two 1er Cru sites of “Les Faconnieres” and “Les Chenevery” which sit immediately beneath the Grand Cru “Clos de la Roche”, and possesses that ineffable Grand Cru stature. The vines were planted in 1947 and 1960.
Critical Acclaim: Burghound 94 Points
Moderate reduction is enough to push what appears to be ripe fruit to the background. More interesting are the dense, powerful and imposing big-bodied flavors that brim with both muscle and dry extract that serves to buffer the extremely firm but not hard tannic spine supporting the equally serious, lengthy and impeccably well-balanced finish.
About. In the heart of Burgundy, Domaine Hubert Lignier symbolizes harmony between tradition and innovation, an emblem of excellence in winemaking. The domain, under the capable stewardship of Hubert and Laurent Lignier, spans nine hectares across some of the most esteemed villages of the region, including Morey Saint Denis, Gevrey Chambertin, Chambolle Musigny, Nuits Saint Georges, and Pommard. This family-managed enterprise produces an impressive array of 24 distinct wines, each articulating the unique nuances of its terroir.
Beginning in the 1990s, the Lignier family steadfastly committed to organic farming, eschewing weedkillers and pesticides, and employing plowing methods to nurture soil health and vine vitality. Their devoted care to the "climates" — distinct vineyard parcels — accentuates each vineyard's unique character and personality.
The winemaking approach at Domaine Hubert Lignier is one of minimal intervention, highlighting the inherent quality of the fruit. The resultant wines are fresh and elegant, offering a satisfying full-bodied richness and a memorable, lingering finish. The estate's portfolio includes a diverse range from Bourgogne to Grand Cru appellations, each authentically expressing its terroir.
The meticulous vinification and aging process at the Domaine is particularly noteworthy. Grapes are de-stemmed and undergo fermentation in open-top cement tanks. A prolonged cold soak ensures optimal extraction, using only natural yeasts. The wines age on lees in barrels for 20 to 24 months without racking post-malolactic fermentation, with a modest use of new oak (20-30%, and up to 50% for Grand Crus Charmes Chambertin and Clos de la Roche). Without fining, the final bottling uses gravity to retain the wines' innate freshness and aging potential.
Under Hubert's watchful eye and his brother Laurent's active assistance, Domaine Hubert Lignier continues to elevate its reputation, crafting wines with notable concentration, depth, and structure that genuinely express its terroir. Wine critic Neil Martin has eloquently described the wines as "pure, sensual, quite intellectual..." a sentiment shared by those who have tasted these unique creations.
Defying conventions and external certifications, Domaine Hubert Lignier's wines are crafted through "sensible combat" (lutte raisonnee) in the vineyards and a staunch refusal to use herbicides. Their organic practices may still need to be officially certified, but the exquisite quality of their wines negates the need for external validation. This independent spirit, coupled with a deep respect for their terroir, has forged a legacy of greatness. The use of new oak barrels is deliberately low, further enhancing each wine's natural purity and unique character.
