2009 - Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Lignier-Michelot

The 2009 Clos de la Roche is long, powerful and energetic. It shows fabulous balance from start to finish. The red fruit is supported by intense yet beautifully integrated tannins. I especially like the substantial, weighty finish. Sweet dried roses and mint add an air of sensuality to the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. Virgile Lignier’s 2009s show notable intensity and ripeness, but also preserve quite a bit of freshness through the use of whole clusters, which reach as much as 100% in two wines. The Bourgogne and Chambolle were bottled in December 2010. I tasted all of the other wines from tank. Bottling was scheduled for the end of March 2011. Readers will find notes on a handful of 2008s on www.erobertparker.com. A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet, various American importers, including : Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404

Good medium red. Very ripe, even candied aromas of raspberry, cherry, minerals, mocha, licorice and damp earth. Fat, sweet and expressive, with the ripeness of the vintage coming through in the mouth. Virgile Lignier says he finds this wine more complex than the 2010 version; I find it more elegant. Even if it's a bit less nervy than the 2010 it displays good tension for its year.

Rounded, some bitter flashes, crisp acid, ripe fruit. Pretty austere. Tannins and hard but drinkable, but there’s no lusciousness or allure here. (RH)