2010 Richebourg Grand Cru Thibault Liger-Belair 0,75 l

The 2010 Richebourg possesses stunning depth and power. Despite the wine's considerable tannic heft, there is more than enough radiance and sheer brilliance in the fruit to balance the structural elements. A fabulous, energetic finish rounds things off in grand style. This is a stunning effort, but it will require patience, and lots of it.

The 2010 Richebourg possesses stunning depth and power. Despite the wine’s considerable tannic heft, there is more than enough radiance and sheer brilliance in the fruit to balance the structural elements. A fabulous, energetic finish rounds things off in grand style. This is a stunning effort, but it will require patience, and lots of it. Anticipated maturity: 2030-2050. I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted with Thibault Liger-Belair. Thibault’s core holdings are the remaining vestiges of his family’s portion of the original Liger-Belair estate that was sold in the early 1930s. In recent years, Liger-Belair has added a few negociant wines to augment his range. Thibault Liger-Belair is the largest owner of the Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les St. Georges and the leading proponent of the movement to have the vineyard classified as a Grand Cru. Liger-Belair’s decision to taste his Les St. Georges in between the Clos de Vougeot and Richebourg makes an eloquent case. In fact, words are pretty much superfluous at that point. I will report on Liger-Belair’s 2009s in the April issue. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

How amazing to show a wine of this price at a big tasting! Rich and layered and really rather subtle. Much more subtle than the Charmes with a hint of lacquered Peking/Beijing duck about it. Very jolly. So nice to see a producer do something different yet still in the spirit of the vineyard. Vibrant finish. Respect. (JR)