Lignier/Hubert Morey-St.-Denis 1er cru Vieilles Vignes 2016

94-96 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Morey St Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes, which comes from vines planted as far back as the 1930s, suffered a lot of millerandage so that the yields was 25 hectoliters per hectare. It is matured one-third new oak and one-third whole bunch fruit. It has an introspective bouquet at first and then gradually unfolds to reveal enticing blackberry, briary and cold stone scents—all very sophisticated and poised. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, a disarming sense of symmetry and tension that impart weightlessness that run paradoxically to the intensity of fruit. This is just a magnificent Morey-Saint-Denis. Top of the class in grand cru territory. (Dec 2017)"

92-95 points Fine Wine Review: "The Morey 1er Cru vieilles vignes is composed about 2/3 from the Faconnières vineyard and 1/3 from Chenevery. The wine shows more depth and breadth than the preceding with opulent red fruits and some dark ones. There’s a fair amount of power here and good length. Laurent Lignier said that the bunches were particularly small here. About 25% whole clusters and 1/3 new oak. (8/6/19)"

93+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "This wine also saw no frost damage in its parcels and it is going to be a reference point premier cru for the vintage. The bouquet is simply outstanding, delivering a fine constellation of plums, black cherries, a touch of lavender, dark soil tones, raw cocoa and a nice framing of nutty new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and nicely reserved in structure, with a sappy core, superb soil signature, fine-grained tannins and a very long, very pure finish. Great juice in the making. 2026-2075. (Nov/Dec 2017)"

93 points William Kelley (Decanter): "Laurent Lignier’s old vine Pinot Fin excelled in 2016, producing only 25hl/ha in a year of generous yields in Morey. Notes of roast espresso, game bird, dark fruit and rich soil lead into a full-bodied, ample wine with excellent concentration, a deep core and a long, flavourful finish. One of the domaine’s emblematic cuvées. Drinking Window: 2026-2050. (Oct 2017)"