Hubert Lignier, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2014

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2014 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has a very refined bouquet that takes time to open, but it is worth the wait: blackberry, dried blood, limestone and a faint marine influence (perhaps oyster shell) -- all wonderfully delineated and controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite compact and dense at the moment, as well as very linear and precise; it is long in the mouth but not wishing to play around at the moment. Perhaps keeping its exuberance for later? This is an enigmatic Clos de la Roche this year from Lignier.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(these vines were planted in the '50s and '60s; the crop level here was 32 hectoliters per hectare in 2014, with the yield reduced 15% by hail): Bright red-ruby. Knockout, slightly high-toned nose combines raspberry, smoked meat, underbrush, spices, dried flowers and mocha. Boasts a texture of liquid silk but also shows superb energy and tension to its dark raspberry, spice and mineral flavors. Firmly tannic and authoritative on the classic finish, which displays outstanding mineral lift and a note of dark chocolate.