Georges Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc 2018

Burgundy, France 

Tim Atkin 90 points! Jancis Robinson 16.5 

Georges Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc is a beautiful white wine gem from the Cote de Nuits, showing off the natural beauty of the Chardonnay grape. The domaine is led by Benoit Stehly, nephew of Georges Lignier, who worked at the domaine for a decade alongside his uncle, before assuming control of the work in both the vineyard and the cellar in 2008. His approach is very traditional, as he seeks to achieve maximum aromatic concentration, above nearly all other characteristics, including structural or color concentration. When it comes to the vineyard holdings, the depth of appellations in both the Premier and Grand Crus is astounding. Overall, the domaine counts sixteen hectares encompassing 50 parcels, across 17 appellations in both white and red. 

Benoit planted 0.15 hectares worth of Chardonnay in the Morey-Saint-Denis vineyards Clos Solon and Les Seuvrees between 2007 and 2011 in order to be able to produce an additional white wine. Fermented and aged entirely in barrels but with none new, it displays the broad-shouldered character and rich body typical of the seldom-encountered white wines of the Côte de Nuits, with notes of ripe apple and almond, and admirable concentration. 

Enjoy Georges Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc with steamers, grilled sausages, roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster salad and cheeses—chèvre, Beaufort, Comté and Emmental.