Domaine Hubert Lignier - Charmes Chambertin - Grand Cru

The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin (from vines in Mazoyeres) shows gorgeous density and depth in a round, engaging style. This is a highly engaging, textured wine but it is also remarkably open for a grand cru, even in 2009. I am not sure it will make old bones, but it should drink nicely for a handful of years. The Charmes is made from partially purchased fruit that is used to augment the estate’s small holdings. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. Hubert Lignier started harvesting on September 11. The fruit was 100% destemmed. Vinification started with a few days of cold maceration followed by fermentation, with one or two punchdowns a day. The village level wines saw 20-25% new oak (some of the barrels were slightly larger 350-liter casks), while the estate used approximately 33% and 50% new barrels for the 1er Crus and Grand Crus respectively.