Lignier noted that this was vinified with 100% whole clusters. A background note of wood does not interfere with the clear expression of the relatively elegant red currant, intensely floral, spice and underbrush-suffused nose that is followed by beautifully detailed and vibrant flavors that possess good density and outstanding length on the moderately austere finish. This will not be for everyone but for those who love the effects of whole cluster vinification, it's terrific and should age extremely well.

(WA89-90 points) Based on purchased fruit from old vines and full of millerandage, Lignier’s 2008 Morey-St.-Denis Aux Chezeaux represents what he termed “an experiment” in 100% vendange entier. Red currant and bittersweet, distillate-like herbal concentrates on the nose are then allied to underlying chalk on a formidably dense yet subtly satiny and persistently bright palate. This seems to me if anything more backward than most of the wine Lignier 2008s, but it displays a sheer purity of fruit, penetration and persistence that promise fascinating and rewarding evolution over at least the next 6-8 years. I anticipate, though, that this will retain both its elegance and rather rapier character. - David Schildknecht