For decades, Hubert Lignier has reigned as one of the most prestigious names in Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, but in 2014, the eponymous domaine of cousin Georges Lignier released an epic lineup of Grand and Premier Cru reds that caught the keen attention of collectors and critics alike. Jancis Robinson MW was “hugely impressed” and made a convincing case to her massive subscribership to fill their cellars before they were gone forever. But little did her fanbase know that locating the top gems of the lineup was much easier said than done.
Turns out, simply finding a bottle on American retail shelves or wine lists was comparable to spotting Bigfoot—despite my entreaties, I couldn’t even secure one of Lignier’s ’14 Grand Crus for personal consumption. So, whenever we’ve offered Lignier in the past, it’s always been an extremely rewarding, if not hard-earned experience. But, as you’ve probably inferred from above, today is the first time we’ve ever had the opportunity to offer one of their Grand Crus. This “Clos de la Roche” is a staggering achievement that embodies the vinous magic Lignier has conjured up over the years. Anyone lucky enough to hold a few in their cellar will be in possession of Burgundy’s top ‘one percent.’ Just watch what it will become over the coming decades…
[*NOTE: Today’s extremely limited pre-offer will be arriving at our warehouse on May 20th. We can offer three bottles per person until our allocation runs out.]
Of course, as with any rapidly rising Burgundian star, flattering press and soaring demand/prices are never far behind. The word is now out about this family and thus their wines are no longer as accessible or affordable as they once were. Fortunately, it is because of our long history of supporting Lignier—prior to the estate “hitting it big time” with critics and collectors—that we were granted a micro-allocations of their 2014 “Clos de la Roche.”
Domaine Georges Lignier has been producing wine in Morey-Saint-Denis for decades, and with the single largest stake in Grand Cru “Clos Saint-Denis,” plus significant ownership in Grand Crus “Bonnes-Mares” and today’s magnificent “Clos de la Roche,” it’s hard to dispute that Lignier has perhaps the most valuable collection of vineyards in the appellation. Benoit Stehly, nephew of Georges Lignier, apprenticed in the vines and cellar for 10+ years before assuming control in 2008. Following an era of post-succession confusion and stylistic soul-searching, the quality of the wine at this address has skyrocketed in recent vintages and now matches the extraordinary potential of the real estate. As a result, Domaine Georges Lignier is now one of the village’s most prestigious addresses.
Benoit’s 55-year-old vine holdings in “Clos de la Roche” amount to just one single hectare, spread out over four small parcels. The property’s signature methods in the vines and cellar are classic, but the “house style” is one that puts a premium on complexity and depth of aroma: fruit is harvested slightly later than that of their neighbors; generally 80% is de-stemmed; and a close eye is kept on barrel levels and fermentation temperatures. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, but this is not your earthy, savory, mushroom-scented Burgundy. On the contrary, the property’s recent celebrity is built on a lineup of wines that possess intensely vibrant, pure fruit. That same vividness and lift is what makes “Clos de la Roche” a standout addition to your cellar.
Two weekends ago, I finally had the chance to discover the brilliance of today’s Grand Cru with a couple of close friends, which only further amplified the extraordinary wine in the glass. We allowed it several hours in a decanter to embrace the outside world before serving it in bulbous Burgundy stems. The results were spectacular: Lignier’s stunningly elegant 2014 “Clos de la Roche” erupts with luscious dark fruits and invigorating minerality, then releases a gorgeous blend of red/purple florality before ending with a savory yet ultra-polished finish. It’s an incredible expression of Grand Cru Burgundy that is wildly expressive and fragrant in its youth, but I’m still investing in this wine’s future. The energy and bottomless depth that makes this bottle so pleasurable today speak volumes about its aging potential: This will still be singing a vibrant tune in 25 years! That’s why I urge you to purchase at least two bottles. We’re all innately curious, so I know one cork will be pulled sooner rather than later—which is okay! Just be sure to save that second or third bottle for at least another 5-10 years, minimum. It’s all but impossible to find Domaine Georges Lignier’s reds in the US today, so just imagine how excited you’ll be when you’re among the few in the world who still have a perfectly stored bottle a decade or two from now. Enjoy this rare gem!
