Morey Saint Denis 2023 Domaine Hubert Lignier

The Morey-Saint-Denis 2023 from Domaine Hubert Lignier is the domaine's benchmark village cuvée, scoring 94 points from Decanter Magazine in this vintage. A wine that might be called village++, drawn from a precise blend of three complementary lieux-dits whose low-yielding old vines produce results well above their appellation rank, even in 2023. A Morey-Saint-Denis that is perfectly true to type, accessible in its youth yet with genuine cellaring potential, embodying the finesse and complexity of the terroir.

Terroir and vineyard

This Morey is a blend of three lieux-dits: roughly two-thirds from Chenevery, planted in the 1960s, with some fruit from old cordoned vines on the rich clay soils of Clos Solon, and 30% from Les Porroux, totalling a hectare of old vines with naturally low yields. All three parcels rest on clay-limestone soils mixing calcareous marls, brown clays and stony scree, characteristic of Morey-Saint-Denis. Morey's municipal vineyard and its surrounding plots give these lieux-dits their distinctive identity: Chenevery brings freshness and finesse, Clos Solon its clayey roundness, and Les Porroux elegance and minerality. Vinification is hands-off: partially destemmed grapes, spontaneous fermentation in open vats with gentle extraction through light punchdowns, using a proportion of whole bunches. Long ageing on lees for 21 to 22 months, no racking after malolactic fermentation, with 20 to 25% new oak. Bottled by gravity without filtration.

Tasting profile

The robe is a bright ruby of medium intensity. The nose opens on perfumed, floral aromas with hints of peony infusing dark fruits and touches of bay leaf that develop with time. The palate is both accessible in its youth and endowed with genuine cellaring potential: notes of cherry, redcurrant and raspberry intertwine with delicate floral touches of violet and soft spice. On the palate, the attack is fresh as sorbet, blood orange infusing black cherry and blackcurrant on a crisp finish. The tannins are fine, well integrated, bringing structure and balance. The finish is fresh, long and harmonious, marked by beautiful fruity persistence and subtle minerality. A solid wine with real class and intensity, that should open nicely over three to five years and reward long drinking.

The domaine

Hubert Lignier founded the domaine in the 1970s at Morey-Saint-Denis. On his death in 2004, his brother Laurent took over from 2006. The property comprises 11 hectares of vineyard, the oldest dating from 1936, certified organic since the 2019 vintage. The domaine's philosophy has been constant for decades: to create authentic and sensual wines that express their respective terroir, with respectful vineyard management and minimal-intervention winemaking for wines that are fresh, elegant and memorable.

Food pairing

This Morey-Saint-Denis pairs beautifully with Bresse chicken with mushrooms, lamb rack with Provence herbs, rabbit in a casserole with olives, fine country terrine or a selection of aged cheeses such as Époisses or Cîteaux. Served between 15 and 16°C, with light decanting for 30 minutes recommended, it will reveal all the fruity finesse, tannin delicacy and absolute typicity of a village Morey-Saint-Denis signed by one of the most honest and admired domaines of the Côte de Nuits.