2023 Hubert Lignier, Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Seuvrees -Magnum

Lignier has always been a mainstay for us at MWC, not because they are "classic" in a rigid sense, but because they are constantly defining what classic means by responding to the vintage rather than forcing a signature upon it. Over the last two decades, the domaine has subtly shifted the estate's trajectory, moving away from the more "modern" 50% new oak profiles of the 90s to a much more transparent maximum of 30%. He has steadily transitioned to organic viticulture and, since 2006, has used whole-cluster fermentation to add a savory, structural lift. With a long, patient maturation of up to 21 months and no racking, the wines are allowed to find their own balance. Across the board, 2023s are generous, well-proportioned wines. There is a plushness to the fruit this year that acts as a perfect counterweight to that signature Lignier depth. It’s a vintage that will certainly reward the patient, but it also offers a rare, open-door invitation to those who are just beginning to explore what Morey-Saint-Denis is capable of. Les Seuvrees is from vines planted between 1938 and 1966 covering an area of 1.02 hectares, this terroir located below the Mazoyères Grand Crus.