2010 Domaine Lignier-Michelot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

(100% vendange entier; no pigeage; from vines planted in 1947; 13.8% natural alcohol): Deep red-ruby. Superripe aromas of black raspbery and mocha. Big, rich, sweet and powerful, with a nearly porty ripeness to the slightly diffuse flavors of black raspberry and violet. Finishes with big, dusty tannins. A bit crude for grand cru, with a distinctly late-picked quality. Am I catching this at an awkward stage?

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: January/February 2012

The 2010 Charmes-Chambertin (from a parcel in Mazoyeres) possesses fabulous energy and intensity in a style that is at once powerful yet feminine. Intense layers of mineral-infused fruit wrap around the palate staining finish. The Charmes is flat-out gorgeous. Lignier used 100% whole clusters here.

Drink Dates: 2025-2040

Author: Antonio Galloni