TN: 1988 Georges Lignier et Fils Bonnes Mares

  • 1988 Georges Lignier et Fils Bonnes Mares - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (4/5/2016)
    Very different experience from the last note on CT (2006). The nose on this wine began with an unpleasant sharpness to it, which made me suspect TCA, but quickly blossomed out into a classic, if slightly understated, nose of black fruit and briar, with masculine spiciness in abundance. On the palate, some surprisingly red tones came in, along with expected earthiness, and, though it could hardly be called broad, it had satisfying depth and complexity. Not a great wine, by any means, and certainly not a great Bonnes Mares, but it was recognizably Bonnes Mares, and had the fruit to overcome the sharpness of '88. I enjoyed the bottle, appreciating it for what it was - a more than adequate mature burgundy that was correct and showed breeding. I recognize with a heavy heart that my chances to drink great aged Burgundy are few and far between. If I can find many of those characteristics I look for in something that doesn’t cost me a fortune and makes me say “Ah, yes - now THAT is burgundy,” I don’t ask for perfection. From the Roy Welland collection.

Posted from CellarTracker

I like to say I don’t like everything about anybody. The same thing is true about wine. Older wine is taken with that lens—accept the positives and attempt to accept that it is not firing on every cylinder at once but yet there is something notable and enjoyable. Enjoy for what it is and consider re-visiting tomorrow. Mike

Have had a few excellent experiences with older Georges Lignier wines. Thanks for the note Sarah.

Best Regards
Jeremy

Me, too! The '78 Clos de la Roche in particular.