Domaine Georges Lignier Stunning 2009 Red Burgundies I am just back from Burgundy where I tasted hundreds of wines from the 2009 vintage. I can say without hesitation that this is a great vintage for Red Burgundy. The domaines are very happy with their efforts as the wines typically combine ripe fruit with superb aromatics and silky texture. The sweetness of fruit and balance will make these wines very pleasurable in their youth with the ability for mid term or longer ageing. 2009 is a more charming vintage than the highly touted 2005 and many winemakers have expressed their preference for 2009. I would certainly agree with this judgement. If you are a serious Burgundy drinker you will not want to miss this vintage. International interest in the 2009's has been high and already many domaines have sold or allocated their wines before they have been bottled. Demand for Grand Crus, which make up a tiny portion of production, has been enormous. We are pleased to present our first pre-arrival offer for 2009 Red Burgundy - the wines of Domaine Georges Lignier.
DOMAINE GEORGES LIGNIER This Ligniers have been vignerons since the mid 19th century. Today the domaine is owned by Georges Lignier who is assisted by his nephew Benoit Stehly. As has been the situation with many old Burgundy domaines the inclusion of the expertise of the young generation has had a dramatic effect on the quality of wine. Much of the domaines vines were planted in the 1920's. The maturity of the vines combined with a policy "viticulture raisonnee" (winegrowing with minimal chemical intervention) results in deeply coloured and flavoured wines from their prestigious appellations. The wines are scheduled to be bottled in June 2011 and will be shipped by refrigerated container as soon as practical.
These are terrific wines from a great vintage at remarkably affordable prices. So please get your order in quickly to avoid dissappointment.
2009 Morey-St-Denis Usual Price $69.95 Pre-Arrival $59.95 From two parcels "Les Crais" and "Clos Solon" both located on the lower reaches of the hillside. What struck me at first was the lovely open nose which had excellent complexity. The wine is nicely balanced with plenty of the great 2009 character which will make it top drinking young but with the ability to complex over the next 5 years. This is a very smart village wine. And how about the price!
2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Usual Price $87.00 Pre-Arrival $75.00 Some consider Gevrey to be a standout commune in 2009. Produced from 1.5 hectares at the south end of Gevrey. Soils are mainly gravel. A firmer wine than the Morey above with blackcurrant and small red and black fruits over lush tannins. Will drink very well as a young wine.
2009 Morey-St Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes Usual Price $99.00 Pre-Arrival $87.00 The Clos des Ormes lies at the foot of Clos de la Roche and was initially founded by the Citeaux monks. The vineyard was largely replanted following heavy soil erosion during 1963. The nose offer more richness with dark fruit and spice. The palate displays dark cherry and blackberry notes and is quite mineral with a long, firm finish. Coates describes Clos des Ormes as one of Morey's best premier crus and considers it "a lesser - but by no means ignoble - Clos de la Roche". Outstanding value for the quality.
2009 Clos-St-Denis Grand Cru Usual Price $189.00 Pre-Arrival $162.00 Clos-St-Denis is typically the most feminine of the Morey Grand Crus. It is perhaps more Chambolle-like in aroma and weight. Lignier's wine sees 50% new oak to retain the freshness and purity. The first thing that captivates is the nose. It is deep red and very spicy. On the palate there is serious minerality with a very long and fine finish. This wine, whilst dense and sappy, is more about finesse and subtlety than power. In 2009 these characters are beguiling. A lovely wine. And did I mention the price?
2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Usual Price $229.00 Pre-Arrival $199.00 As usual this is darker and deeper than the Clos-St-Denis. Blue fruits with some earth (truffles and liquorice?) and violet nuances. Serious density with grip and a powerful finish. Yet still vibrant and fresh. If the Clos-St -Denis is feminine this is certainly a masculine wine. A classic Clos de la Roche in the making. Very impressive.
2009 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Usual Price $229.00 Pre-Arrival $199.00 Located just north of the border Charmes is the typically the easiest of the Grand Crus. Georges Lignier's production is very small with an average of just 440 bottles a year! The nose suggests violets, vanilla and perhaps a little roasted coffee. The tannins are more subtle than the Clos de la Roche and the impression is of a more silky wine which will soften more and gather complexity with time. The most charming of the Grand Crus, although the name actually comes from the French "chaume" - a piece of land that was once abandoned and has been replanted.
2009 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru Usual Price $279.00 Pre-Arrival $249.00 From the barrel this was more closed than the prior wines. The fruit is more dark red than black, typical of Chambolle, with mineral and earth. Very powerful in the mouth with long, sinewy tannins that grip the palate. More muscular than the previous wines and crying out for time in the bottle to reveal its real quality. Only five 228 litre barrels made. I have enjoyed bottles from the 1980's and 1990's which are only just hitting their straps. Patience required!
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au