2012 Domaine Georges Lignier, Chambolle-Musigny AC, Red Burgundy, France.
This Chambolle comes from 100% estate owned, 70 year old vines set in nice parcel with plenty of limestone and old soils, it certainly tastes more than village level, plus the vintage, makes for an exquisite red Burgundy by Benoit Stehly and Domaine Georges Lignier. Last month I was able to taste through a few vintages and vineyards of Lignier, with an impressive response to their their lineup, especially the Clos St.-Denis and Clos de la Roche, but this Chambolle-Musigny starred for price and quality. The 2011 wines are more open and generous at this stage and should not be forgotten or dismissed, they really were excellent, rating even higher for pleasure, I highly recommend checking them out, but for cellaring, the 2012’s look to be a bit stronger and have more raw power and force with deeper concentration. That all said, the Geoges Lignier 2012 Chambolle-Musigny is a beautiful and well crafted wine of old school charm and manners with fresh vibrancy, it is very dynamic on the palate with lovely terroir distinction showing with wilted roses, mineral notes, black fruits, sweet herbs, chalk dust and a nice play of sweet and savory tones with hints of cedar, anise, iron and lingering cherry. The core fruit is still muted with layers of plum, black cherry, forest berry and a citrusy/peach tangy element, plus good intensity, density and fine tannins along with it’s round texture, still lifted by youthful acidity. Best to let rest in the cellar for another 3 to 5 years, but worth the wait, this is a classically proportioned Pinot Noir that has real personality, grace and vigor, drink from 2018 to 2026.
($76 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
