Domaine du Comte Liger Belair   Nuits St Georges Aux Lavieres

2011 Nuits St Georges Aux Lavieres

By Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair

2008 Clos St Denis Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot, Burgundy, France

The 2008 vintage in Burgundy was a year for the true connoisseur, characterised by purity and precision. Among the stellar releases, the 2008 Clos St Denis Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot stands as a testament to the enduring charm of its origin. My professional pursuit of the finest Burgundies has allowed me the privilege of witnessing the evolution of this prestigious domaine's offerings.

 

Time's Alchemy: A Vintage Transformed

With delicate interplay between an initially cool year and a surprisingly warm September, 2008 gave viniculturists in Burgundy a palpable challenge. Yet, Ponsot has managed to foster a wine that not only overcame environmental vicissitudes but thrived because of them. It is a year fixed in my memory for its late harvest, providing grapes with ample time to reach their zenith in aromatic concentration and phenolic ripeness.

 

A Confluence of Terroir and Expertise

The resulting elixir captures the quintessential spirit of Burgundian finesse. On the nose, one immediately recognises the 2008 Clos St Denis Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot’s bouquet of red berries, earthy undertones with hints of spices unfolding into subtle truffle nuances – a nod to its venerable terroir. The palate is endowed with grace; structured tannins waltz harmoniously with vivacious acidity, indicating a promising longevity worthy of patient cellaring.

In summary, for collectors seeking wines with potential upside in their investment portfolio or those simply desiring to uncork an exquisite narrative bottled within the rapturous expanse of time, the 2008 Clos St Denis Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot merits serious consideration. This collectible's inherent complexity and seamless balance are resplendent examples of what makes Burgundian crus incomparable companions on both financial charts and dinner tables.

Current market price

$26,210.00

12x75cl

Highest score

89

POP score

1750

Scores and tasting notes

89

The 2011 Nuits St. Georges Les Lavieres is tight on the nose, rather masculine and adorned with scents of wet woodland on an October morning. The palate is correct, very linear and perhaps foursquare, though it is well-balanced. My main quibble is the finish that lacks a little flesh and persistency in the mouth. Perhaps it will gather itself together with bottle age? Drink 2014-2019. I have been following Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair since the beginning of their “second coming” in 2001/2002, when Louis-Michel began taking back control of his propitiously located vineyards. Crowned by the monopole of La Romanee, they already had a head start, a scattering of parcels that instantly places the domaine in the first division. But that is not enough on its own. Over the last decade, the wines have become astonishingly refined and let us be frank, with prices to match. During the round of London tastings in January this year I refrained from taking any notes since Burgundy was not my ‘beat’. However, I did make an exception here, in part because of the sheer quality of the wines and also because it has become part of my January ritual. The original intention was to accommodate these notes on “Wine-Journal”, but I publish them here as part of my 2011 report for “The Wine Advocate”. Importers: Grand Cru Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 974-2500; and in the UK through Justerini & Brooks; tel. 0081339945935

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 August 2013

Vintage performance