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Virgile Lignier seems to have “breakthrough vintages” each year. He is always evolving and never resting on his laurels. In 2007, he made yet another breakthrough. The big transformation was that he joined the “STEM CLUB” (Dujac, DRC, Roumier, Rhys, Calera- to name a few luminaries), and began using 25-50% whole clusters in his various cuvées.
Whole-cluster fermentation has its strong proponents, both pro and con. Including the stems in the fermentation can often add a structural component to the wines, not to mention tea-like and sometimes mildly vegetal aromas from the stems themselves. Conversely, leaving the bunches and berries whole and intact can give a fruitiness to the wines especially in their youth from the semi-carbonic fermentation that takes place within the grapes themselves, under the skins.
His 2007 shows the elegance and terroir transparency of the vintage. It is both approachable, and could easily be put on a wine list for present consumption. They also have the requisite structure to age. After tasting them, you can’t help but think that Virgile deserves much more recognition than he has received. These are first tier Burgs, and just at the entry level!
Tasting Note:
This one is a bit darker on the aromatic spectrum, with both red and black fruits and distinct earthiness. There is more thrust and spine on the palate, with lovely fine tannins buried in a well-constructed and ample core of fruit. Like a fine-tuned, welterweight wrestler, it coaxes you around, and let’s you know it’s there, persistent and strong, yet without excessive heaviness or brute force. Long, with fine minerality and freshness to carry the fruit to the finish. Stylish and dark.
Snapshot
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Country
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France |
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Region
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Burgundy |
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Appellation
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Gevrey-Chambertin |
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Color
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Golden |
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Still / Sparkling
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Still |
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Special Features
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Sustainable Agriculture |
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Bottle Size
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Full Bottle (750 ml) |
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Varieties
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Pinot Noir |
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