Clos de la Roche, Lignier-Michelot 2015

**Note: 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.

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.