2017 Lignier-Michelot Morey St Denis Les Faconnieres 1er Cru, Burgundy

The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Faconnières 1er Cru, which Virgile Lignier aptly describes as a Petit Clos de la Roche, shows the same brooding intensity as the Aux Charmes, offering blackberry, wild hedgerow and crushed stone aromas and traces of moorland and heather. The slightly chalky palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, and there is fine acidity and real energy on the finish. I like the persistence and depth here. Superb.

92-94 points Neal Martin vinous.com Drink: 2023 - 2037
 
A deft application of wood frames a pretty, pure and nicely elegant nose of plum liqueur, black cherry, spice, earth and floral wisps. The sleek, intense and beautifully well-detailed flavors flash evident minerality on the lingering, complex and balanced finale where the touch of wood telegraphed by the nose reappears. This is at once bold yet refined and sufficiently structured that it should repay extended keeping.

92 points Allen Meadows burghound.com Jan 2020 Drink 2029+

2017 Domaine Lignier Michelot Morey Saint Denis Les Faconnières 1er Cru is a beautifully poised and classically styled Pinot Noir from one of the Côte de Nuits’ most quietly respected villages. Les Faconnières sits mid slope in Morey Saint Denis on limestone and clay soils that deliver a perfect balance of structure and finesse, often combining the muscle of Gevrey Chambertin with the perfume of Chambolle Musigny. This Premier Cru is known for its depth and savory detail rather than overt power, and in 2017 it benefited from a warm but even growing season that allowed full ripeness while preserving freshness and clarity.

Domaine Lignier Michelot is a long established family estate with roots in Morey Saint Denis going back generations, now led by Virginie Lignier. The domaine is known for its traditional, thoughtful approach, careful vineyard work, low yields and restrained cellar techniques that prioritise transparency and site expression. Farming is meticulous, with great attention paid to vine health and harvest timing, and winemaking favours gentle extraction and well judged oak that supports rather than shapes the wine. In the glass, the 2017 Les Faconnières shows a deep ruby colour with bright clarity. Aromas unfold slowly with red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry layered with rose petal, dried herbs, forest floor and a subtle earthy spice. The palate is refined yet structured, delivering pure red fruit, fine grained tannins and a long, savoury, mineral driven finish. It is superb with roast duck, veal, mushroom dishes and game birds, and it will age gracefully for fifteen to twenty years, developing truffle, dried flower and earthy complexity while retaining its core elegance.