Lignier-Michelot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2015

94-96 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 2015 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru comes from 0.30-hectare in the Montluisants area supplemented by some purchased fruit from 72-year-old vines in the lieu-dit Les Chenevrières. It has a very pure and powerful bouquet with layers of small dark cherries, blueberry and violet aromas, a little richness of the growing season showing through via a touch of glycerin. The palate is medium-bodied with a bit if sinew on the entry. This dovetails into a structured mid-palate with a pinch of white pepper lingering on the finish that has a real peacock's tail of flavors, reinforcing its grand crus pedigree (just in case.) This is a sublime expression of the vineyard from Virgile Lignier. Drink: 2020-2045. (Dec 2016)"

95 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .27 ha parcel, most of which is young vines of 15+ years of age though there is a parcel approximating 15% of the total with <40 years of age, 80% whole cluster). Whispers of oak and menthol can be found on the plum liqueur, spice, wild flower and earth-scented nose. There is outstanding size, weight, punch and concentration to the broad-shouldered and imposingly muscular flavors that possess superb underlying tension that is particularly prominent on the balanced, complex and hugely long finish. This is most impressive but very clearly built-to-age. Drink: 2030+. (Jan 2018)"

95 points Tim Atkin, MW: "As it was in 2014, this is the best of a refined, beautifully understated range from Virgile Lignier, which always puts the emphasis on perfume and texture rather than power and tannin. Scented, subtle and refreshing, this has just the right amount of oak, with black cherry and raspberry fruit, some orange zest and a spicy, peppery lift. 2022-30. (Jan 2017)"