Lignier-Michelot, Bourgogne Rouge (Burgundy, France) 2016

Jul 10, 2018

By Michael Apstein
 Becky Wasserman’s name on a bottle is a sure sign of quality.  Her name is never on the front label — that’s reserved for the producer and appellation.  Seeing her name on the back label is a superb recommendation for a producer you may have never heard of.  This is especially useful navigating the myriad of small producers in Burgundy, one of whom is Lignier-Michelot.  Virgile Lignier is the third generation in charge at this small family-run firm based in Morey-St. Denis.  They make a consistently outstanding line-up, so a good place to start is with their “simple” Bourgogne Rouge.  The grapes — all Pinot Noir — come from vineyards that lie just outside the limits of Morey St. Denis and Chambolle-Musigny, two of the most famous villages in the Côte de Nuits.    Not surprisingly, given this pedigree, Lignier-Michelot’s Bourgogne Rouge hits well above its weight class.  Nicely balanced, it delivers a charming combination of bright red fruit and earthiness.  Not flamboyant, it focuses on the savory, not the fruity, side of Pinot Noir. 

Country / Region

Burgundy, France

Appellation

Bourgogne Rouge

Grape Variety

Color

Red

Vintage

2016

Score

92

Price

US $ 37.00

Producer

Lignier-Michelot