2013 - Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Faconnieres, Lignier-Michelot

The 2013 Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru Faconnières comes from 70-year-old vines and includes 50% whole-cluster fruit. It has a more understated bouquet compared to Virgile’s other ‘13s from the appellation, but don’t be fooled: this has superb delineation and focus, real mineralité underneath those broody black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin – an overarching structure here with a dash of black pepper judiciously sprinkled over the dense, fresh and vibrant finish. This is a superb example from the appellation and one of the domaine’s finest contributions to the vintage.

Some jazzy fruit with lots of chew on the end. A little leathery and lacking fruity flesh. (JR)