Domaine Lignier Michelot - Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru Les Genavrieres 2020
Domaine Lignier Michelot, located in Morey Saint Denis, has established itself as a major reference in the Côte de Nuits thanks to a meticulous approach to the vineyard and a highly refined reading of the terroirs. The family has been working for several generations to assert a deeply elegant style, based on aromatic precision, balance, and purity of texture. The vines are managed according to practices respectful of living organisms, with a constant concern to preserve soil vitality and achieve just ripeness. The premier crus of Morey Saint Denis form the core identity of the domaine, offering nuanced expressions of this pivotal village between the sensuality of Chambolle and the depth of Gevrey. The Les Genavrières climat, located mid-slope on limestone soils mixed with brown marl, produces wines of rare intensity, always stretched by an elegant mineral framework. In the 2020 vintage, sunny but exceptionally balanced, this terroir reveals all its complexity and depth.
Domaine Lignier Michelot Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru Les Genavrières 2020 comes from old vines rooted in shallow soils where limestone outcrops, imparting a natural verticality to the Pinot Noir. The low yields, a consequence of the vine age and rigorous cultivation, guarantee remarkable aromatic concentration. The harvest is entirely manual, followed by a meticulous sorting before parcel vinification in tanks. A controlled proportion of whole bunches is retained to bring freshness, energy, and spicy complexity without hardening the tannins. Extractions are done gently, with limited punch-downs, aiming to preserve the fineness of the grain and the purity of the fruit. The aging then takes place in oak barrels, with a measured proportion of new wood intended to support the structure without altering the terroir's identity. The 2020 vintage, rich but taut, yields here a wine of superb precision, ample yet perfectly balanced.
On tasting, Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru Les Genavrières 2020 reveals a deep ruby robe with purple reflections. The nose expresses itself intensely with a bouquet blending black cherry, blackberry, candied raspberry, and pomegranate, enhanced by floral notes of peony and violet, then a hint of fine spices and noble undergrowth. On the palate, the attack is ample and silky, revealing a dense but slender body, structured by tight, precise tannins of great elegance. The fruit gains depth as the tasting progresses, supported by a mineral freshness that stretches the finish with energy and refinement. The persistence is long, vibrant, marked by notes of black fruits, graphite, and a very pure limestone imprint. At the table, this premier cru ideally accompanies roasted poultry, veal fillet with morels, pink duck breast, wild mushroom cuisine, or a slightly aged soft cheese.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
