2022 Morey-Saint-Denis, Faconnieres, Lignier-Michelot

From 72-year-old vines, Lignier's 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Faconnières is one of the highlights of the range, unfurling in the glass with a bouquet of dark berries, plums, violets, raw cocoa and spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, it's deep and complete, with a rich core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, expansive finish. ~ (94) William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 1-18-2024

The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Faconnières 1er Cru leans more towards earthy red fruit on the nose, touches of rose bush emanating from the 70% whole bunches, open-knit and perhaps more approachable than others from the Domaine. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly chocolatey, lactic entry dovetailing into a nicely structured, fresh and vibrant mid-palate. There’s a very fine thread of acidity here - a worthy follow-up to Virgile's impressive 2021. ~ (94) Neal Martin, Vinous 1-1-2024

Cask sample. Inky, deep, powerful rendition of the premier cru. Purity of dark fruit, freshness, fine tannin, plenty of oak but this all bodes very well for a few years down the road. ~ (17) Andy Howard, JancisRobinson.com 1-18-2024

A background hint of reduction isn't enough to overshadow the notes of liqueur-like dark berries, violet, spice and a subtle application of wood. There is fine volume, power and a taut muscularity to the mineral-driven larger-scaled flavors that aren't quite as refined on the bitter pit fruit-inflected finish that is firm, balanced, long and youthfully austere. Patience absolutely necessary but if you have at least some, by all means consider this as well. ~ (93) Allen Meadows, Burghound 1-1-2025