2014 Morey St Denis Les Faconnieres

(Lignier is the largest owner in this premier cru and made 15 barrels of Faconnières in 2014): Good dark red. Subdued but pure aromas of raspberry, espresso and Indian spices. Still a bit youthfully imploded but concentrated and vibrant, showing lovely definition to its berry, mineral and spice flavors. In a distinctly elegant style, with very well-judged use of stems. Finishing firm, lively and long, this wine makes the young 2015 version seem heavy by comparison.

(50% vendange entier ; from 70-year-old vines; this wine was the last to finish its malolactic fermentation, in September): Deep red with ruby tones. Highly complex, musky aromas of wild dark berries, coffee, mocha, underbrush, flowers, licorice and minerals. Wonderfully silky yet brisk on entry, then primary and intense in the middle palate, with dark berry and mineral flavors dominating. Lovely inner-mouth vivacity and lift. Really expands and builds on the back end, with the strong tannins showing a distinctly fine-grained, dusty character. Easily the best and the most complete of these 2014s to this point, this wine should age slowly.

The 2014 Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru Faconnières felt much more withdrawn and timid on the nose vis-à-vis other Morey Premier Crus when I tasted it at the domaine. The palate is very supple, sweeter with 60% whole fruit completely intangible towards the rounded finish. Perhaps this will turn out to be one of Virgile Lignier's more approachable wines this vintage?