2022 Lignier-Michelot - Charmes Chambertin (750ml)

Domaine Lignier-Michelot has farmed vines in Morey-Saint-Denis since the early twentieth century, though for decades the family sold its grapes to négociants. Virgile Lignier, the fourth generation, began estate-bottling a portion of the harvest in 1992 and took full charge of the domaine in 2000. Alongside village and premier cru parcels in Morey, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Chambolle-Musigny, the family holds a small grand cru plot in Charmes-Chambertin.

Charmes-Chambertin lies just south of Chambertin itself, on deeper, clay-rich soils that give its wines a softer, silkier profile than their more powerful neighbor. The domaine ferments with a generous share of whole clusters and ambient yeasts, using gentle pump-overs rather than heavy extraction, then ages the wine twelve months or more in barrel, with only a small portion new, before a further rest in tank prior to bottling.

The wine shows black cherry and violet, with hints of forest floor and gentle spice. Silky tannins and bright acidity give it a refined, elegant structure, carrying through to a long, perfumed finish. It pairs well with braised short ribs, roasted quail, or aged Comté.