2011 Clos de la Roche
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Tasting notes
Melted road tar, incense, licorice and black stone fruits are some of the notes that emerge from the 2011 Clos de La Roche. Even with all of its obvious size and heft, the Clos de La Roche remains exceptionally elegant. Layers of dark, balsamic-infused fruit build to the intense, enveloping finish. The 2011 was vinified with 50% whole clusters and aged in 50% new oak.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good bright, full red. Brooding aromas of black cherry, spiced meats and licorice. Dense, sweet and concentrated on entry, showing a blacker fruit character than the Faconnieres, then full, rich and horizontal in the middle palate, displaying a fine-grained texture and no heaviness. The dusty tannins reach the front teeth. Riper and longer than the Faconnieres but I don't find quite the same grip or energy. This one may drink earlier.
The 2011 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru comes from a 0.30-hectare parcel located toward Montluisants and is also raised in 30% new oak. It has a perfumed bouquet with dark plum, mulberry and orange blossom scents that gain vigor with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with a succulent opening, a touch of spice at the front of the mouth with the smooth, plush raspberry and wild strawberry fruit at the back. There is a pleasing long spicy aftertaste. This is burly Grand Cru that makes up what it is missing in finesse with weight and girth. Drink 2015-2025. This was my first visit to Domaine Lignier-Michelot, located on the eastern side of the RN47 in Morey Saint Denis. The winery itself is undergoing reconstruction with a new underground cellar on the way. Virgile Lignier-Michelot, the appended surname from his mother's side, guided me through the wines that displayed good volume for the vintage, packed full of fruit. Perhaps what the wines did not possess when compared to say Hubert Lignier, is that beguiling finesse and subtlety, but they are facets that can be fine-tuned. Importer: Frederick Wildman Selections; New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700
Scented and sinewy. Not a knockout drop by any means. But solid and firm and excellent structure. Opens out on the end. Promising. (JR)