From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir

Critical Acclaim: 91 points John Gilman
“The new Monthélie “Premier Cru” bottling from the Lignier family is excellent, with the parcel of vines in Sous la Velle here between forty-five and fifty years of age. The wine delivers a sophisticated aromatic constellation of cassis, sweet dark berries, currant leaf, dark soil tones, espresso, gamebird and a nice touch of spicy oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and complex, with excellent mid-palate depth, buried tannins and lovely focus and balance on the long, classy and soil-driven finish. This is really an excellent example of Monthélie! (Drink between 2028-2065)“(12/2021)

89-91 points Burghound
“Here there is that peculiar type of reduction that the Burgundians refer to as bourgeon de cassis. By contrast there is good verve and a really lovely texture to the nicely voluminous flavors that display noticeable rusticity on the youthfully austere, firm and lingering finish. Like several wines in the range, this will need to add depth but if it does, it could be really quite lovely.” (1/2022)

89-91 points Wine Advocate
“A blend dominated by climat Sous la Velle, the 2020 Monthélie 1er Cru reveals aromas of blackberries, cassis and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and ample palate that's seamless and penetrating. This is a fine success. Laurent Lignier began his harvest on August 27, reporting below-average yields and finished alcohols between 13% and 14%. Once again, the result is a fine vintage for both his domaine holdings and négociant sources—the latter, amounting to some 3.5 hectares of vines, now clearly distinguished in our reviews. As readers will know, winemaking is pretty classical at this address, with a short cold maceration, two to three weeks' maceration with one pigéage and one rémontage per day and maturation in barrels, some one-third of which are new—if possible, without racking—for fully 22 months in the domaine's cold cellars. The 2020s are more primary and tightly wound than Lignier's 2019s, but they're similar in terms of ultimate quality and are well worth seeking out. (WK)” (1/2022)

88-91 points Jasper Morris
“Half a hectare, mostly in Sur Lavelle along with a few rows in Barbières and Vignes Rondes. 10 barrels this year. This cuvée will be just Sur Lavelle from 2021 with the rest going into the village wine. Fine mid purple, barely reduced, a little bit of blackcurrant leaf maybe. A certain sucrosity on the palate but this is a Monthelie which will give a lot of pleasure. 13.7% alcohol” (11/2021)

About. In the heart of Burgundy, Domaine Hubert Lignier symbolizes harmony between tradition and innovation, an emblem of excellence in winemaking. The domain, under the capable stewardship of Hubert and Laurent Lignier, spans nine hectares across some of the most esteemed villages of the region, including Morey Saint Denis, Gevrey Chambertin, Chambolle Musigny, Nuits Saint Georges, and Pommard. This family-managed enterprise produces an impressive array of 24 distinct wines, each articulating the unique nuances of its terroir.

Beginning in the 1990s, the Lignier family steadfastly committed to organic farming, eschewing weedkillers and pesticides, and employing plowing methods to nurture soil health and vine vitality. Their devoted care to the "climates" — distinct vineyard parcels — accentuates each vineyard's unique character and personality.

The winemaking approach at Domaine Hubert Lignier is one of minimal intervention, highlighting the inherent quality of the fruit. The resultant wines are fresh and elegant, offering a satisfying full-bodied richness and a memorable, lingering finish. The estate's portfolio includes a diverse range from Bourgogne to Grand Cru appellations, each authentically expressing its terroir.

The meticulous vinification and aging process at the Domaine is particularly noteworthy. Grapes are de-stemmed and undergo fermentation in open-top cement tanks. A prolonged cold soak ensures optimal extraction, using only natural yeasts. The wines age on lees in barrels for 20 to 24 months without racking post-malolactic fermentation, with a modest use of new oak (20-30%, and up to 50% for Grand Crus Charmes Chambertin and Clos de la Roche). Without fining, the final bottling uses gravity to retain the wines' innate freshness and aging potential.

Under Hubert's watchful eye and his brother Laurent's active assistance, Domaine Hubert Lignier continues to elevate its reputation, crafting wines with notable concentration, depth, and structure that genuinely express its terroir. Wine critic Neil Martin has eloquently described the wines as "pure, sensual, quite intellectual..." a sentiment shared by those who have tasted these unique creations.

Defying conventions and external certifications, Domaine Hubert Lignier's wines are crafted through "sensible combat" (lutte raisonnee) in the vineyards and a staunch refusal to use herbicides. Their organic practices may still need to be officially certified, but the exquisite quality of their wines negates the need for external validation. This independent spirit, coupled with a deep respect for their terroir, has forged a legacy of greatness. The use of new oak barrels is deliberately low, further enhancing each wine's natural purity and unique character.