The story behind Domaine Hubert Lignier and Lucie et Auguste Lignier

Domaine Hubert Lignier was one of my first crushes in Burgundy. I remember vividly my first bottle of Hubert Lignier, a 2002 Chambolle Musigny village wine. The fragrant was so dazzling and pure it was a challenge not to finish the bottle so quickly. Since then I have fallen in love with this producer.

The entrance of Domaine Hubert et Laurent Lignier from Google Maps

It wasn't long until I discovered the winemaker behind this stunning village Chambolle Musigny was Romain Lignier, the elder son of Hubert Lignier, who tragically passed away in 2004 due to cancer at the age of 34. Leaving behind his two children and widow Kellen Lignier (who I will mention more later on).

Domaine Hubert Lignier was well established before Romain joined in the mid-nineties, but some would say that Romain was the person who put the Domaine on the map.

After Romain's death

After Romain passed away in 2004, Kellen was left with two very small children and insisted that Romain's wish was to let her succeed in the business. Hubert Lignier disagreed and had some disputes over ownership of the property with Kellen.

Meanwhile, Laurent Lignier (Romain's younger brother) joined the property and continued to make wines in Domaine Hubert Lignier with the help of his father, Hubert Lignier. Since Kellen was entitled a portion of the grapes from Domaine Hubert Lignier vineyards, she created Domaine Lucie & Auguste Lignier to work separately from them.

Domaine Lucie & Auguste Lignier

After studying in a wine school in Beaune, Kellen made her first vintage 2006. Most of us would expect a young, inexperienced winemaker originally from New Mexico (who has drunk more beer and tequila than wine until she moved to Burgundy) with two small children would struggle making good wines. Her first vintage proved many of us wrong. The wines are charming and attractive, I am sure Romain would be proud of her wines.

Even though Domaine L&A Lignier produced their first vintage in 2006, they had bottled 2001-2005 vintages from inheritance, of which 2001-2003 were vinified by Romain Lignier, 2004 and 2005 were presumably made by Hubert and Laurent Lignier. The L&A Lignier wines from 2001-2005 are exactly the same as Hubert Lignier 2001-2005, but sells at a considerably lower price as L&A Lignier is less-known.

Sadly Kellen went back to the States in 2013 after she lost more vineyards to Hubert. Many L&A Lignier wines including her two Grand Crus (Clos de la Roche and Charmes Chambertin) last vintage was 2010. Kellen still holds a few vineyards, so time will tell if she would ever go back to Burgundy and make wines again. I recommend the wines from L&A Lignier, lovely fruit intensity and tidiness on the palate. Other than that, they are considerably cheaper than Hubert Lignier bottling.

Vineyard and Production

Bourgogne Aligote

A 0.6ha vineyard in Gevrey Chambertin, 75% Aligote and 15% Chardonnay.

Saint Romain Blanc 'Sous la Chateau'

This 0.3 ha prime vineyard in Saint Romain was acquired in honour of the death of Romain Lignier.

Fixin 'Champs de Vosger'

A 0.24 ha Chardonnay parcel in this tiny commune.

Bourgogne 'Cuvee du Grand Cèdre'

A dry light rosé made from declassified grapes from Grand Crus to regional grapes.

Bourgogne 'Passetoutgrain'

A blend of 2/3 Gamay and 1/3 Pinot Noir from a 0.4 ha vineyard in Morey St Denis commune.

Bourgogne Rouge 'Plain Gilbert'

A 0.4 ha 100% Pinot Noir vineyard in Chambolle Musigny village.

Bourgogne Rouge "Grand Chaliot"

A 1.25 ha of Pinot Noir in the south of Nuit Saint Georges. Slightly more new oak than 'Plain Gilbert'.

Pommard 'En Brescul'

A 0.41 ha vineyard acquired very recently in 2013.

Pommard 'Les Chanlins'

A 0.40 ha vineyard acquired in 2009. 80+years old vines.

Nuits St Georges 'Les Poisets'

A 0.34 ha vineyard purchased in 2010. Planted in 1947 and affected by millerandage.

Chambolle Musigny 'Les Bussieres'

A 0.49 ha vineyard bordering Morey St Denis.

Chambolle Musigny Villie Vignes

Purchase of grapes from 50 year old vines. Average production of 5 barrels.

Morey Saint Denis

A blend of own vineyard grapes and purchase grapes.

Morey Saint Denis 'Tres Girard'

Purchase grapes since 2009. Average production of 7-8 barrels.

Morey Saint Denis 'Trilogie'

The Trilogie is a combination of three separate parcels in Morey Saint Denis. Chenervery (60%), Clos Solon (15%), Porroux (25%), total 1 ha.

Gevrey Chambertin

Purchase grapes from two parcels.

Gevrey Chambertin 'La Justice'

Purchase grapes from La Justice since 2009.

Gevrey Chambertin 'Les Seuvrees'

A 1.02 ha vineyard located right below Mazoyeres Chambertin.

Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru 'Les Didiers' Hospices de Nuits

Purchase of barrel from Hospices de Nuits every year since 2005. A 2.45 ha monopole of Hospices de Nuits. Elevage by Domaine Hubert Lignier.

Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Chabiots'

Purchase grapes from Les Chabiots, a tiny premier cru vineyard right above Les Amoureuses.

Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Baudes'

A tiny 0.18 ha vineyard located beneath Bonnes Mares.

Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru 'Les Blanchards'

Not enough information on this wine.

Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru 'Clos Baulet'

A 0.66 ha vineyard. Clos Baulet is the smallest premier cru in Morey St Denis, located right beneath Clos des Lambrays.

Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru 'Chenevery'

Purchase grapes from Chenevery.

Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru 'La Riotte'

Vineyard planted in 1959. La Riotte yields one of the most feminine Morey St Denis in my opinion.

Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru 'Les Chaffots'

A 0.45 ha vineyard. More structured than La Riotte.

Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru Villie Vignes

This cuvee is a blend of two premier cru parcels with some of Lignier's oldest vines. 0.33 ha of Faconnieres with vines planted in 1947 and 1960. 0.20 ha of Chenevery with vines planted in 1936, 1942, and 1943.

Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 'La Perriere'

Purchase grapes from 0.20 ha vineyard in La Perriere.

Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 'Aux Combottes'

A renowned premier cru vineyard surrounded by three Grand Cru vineyards. Lignier owns a mere 0.14 ha vineyard planted in 1957.

Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru

This is the latest Grand Cru addition in Hubert Lignier's portfolio. Purchase grapes from 50 year old vines since 2014. Only two barrels made.

Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru

Hubert Lignier owns a 0.10 ha vineyard in the 'Mazoyeres-Haut' lieu dit within the Charmes Chambertin. Planted in 1948, only one barrel produced every year.

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

The Clos de la Roche is the flagship wine of Hubert Lignier. 0.90 ha from two separate parcels, 'Monts Luiants' and 'Les Fremieres'. 0.62 ha from Monts Luiants, planted between 1955 and 1965. 0.28 ha of Les Fremieres, planted between 1953 and 1960.

Tasting Notes

Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 1995

The 1995 Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche was made in 100% destemmed method with very modest new oak, traditional yet filled with nuances, drinking perfectly. Dark berry fruits, meaty core with inner sweetness. Lovely richness with a firm structure, this needed a decant to blow-off some dust. This is at its sweet spot and should be drunk in the next 5-10 years. (91/100) Tasted 5th Jul 2019

Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 1996

At 22 years of age, the 196 Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche still shows a teenage power with unyielding structure. Full on low-pitched dark fruits with savoury touch of earth and meat. Great intensity showing a cooler shade of gamey minerals. Spicy dark fruits with roasted herbs, and chewy black cherry and potent tannins. Great depth and structure that reminds me of Georges Roumier. (94/100) Tasted 26 Jan 2019

Hubert Lignier Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru "La Riotte" 1998

Is this wine similar to Henri Jayer? This reminds me of Emmanuel Rouget, both 100% destemmed like Henri Jayer. This 1998 Hubert Lignier La Riotte is made by the renowned Romain Lignier, who sadly passed away in 2004. La Riotte is the most elegant of all Lignier’s Morey St Denis Premier Cru, located at the foothill of Clos St Denis. Dark cherry perfume, sexy tone Low tone subtle barnyard and spices. Firm bodied with a darker shade of spice. More concentrated than 1997 but less structured than 1999. (90/100) Tasted 26 Dec 2017

Hubert Lignier Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru "Vieilles Vignes" 2001

Tasted blind - Dark fruits, gamy herbs, sappy dark cherries, smoked blackberries and deep spices. Medium bodied with fair depth, 1er Cru weight? There is an underlying supple floral bouquet and inner-sweetness (even though Romain Lignier destemmed all his grapes) that balances well the the rustic structure. The grainy underbrush in this wine reminds me of 2001 vintage, evolving very nicely and perfect to drink now. George Roumier Morey St Denis Clos De la Bussières? 2001? (90-91/100) Tasted 26 Jan 2019

Hubert Lignier Chambolle Musigny 2002

Domaine Hubert Lignier is known for their fine wines in Morey St Denis, Gevrey, Chambolle. Hubert's son, Romain took over the production in 1991, and continued to put the domaine on the map, tragically he passed away in 2004 from brain tumour. This 2002 was one of his last vintages, the deep, complex perfumed aromas are incomparable with majority of the village level wines around. Intriguing peach wood, rich spices, deep cherry and smoke. A charming character, great acidity, medium bodied, beautiful ending. Tasted 30 Jan 2016

Hubert Lignier Morey St Denis 1er Cru La Riotte 2003

A treasure that is no longer available (wine-searcher). An exceptional La Riotte made by Romain Lignier for the last time before he past away.
Extremely floral, deep, complex aromas. The floral notes of Leroy, density of a Powerful Dujac wine. Beautiful fresh red fruits and intriguingly perfumed exceptional wine. Soil, wood branch, high quality oak smoke, touch of wild yeast flavours, ripe and sweet tannins, hints of dried meat and beautiful acidity. Cellared for a decade, unfortunately it's my last bottle. Tasted 2 Feb 2016

Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2003

This 2003 Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche was the last vintage made by Romain Lignier, one of the stars in Burgundy who sadly passed away too early. Ripe and showing traces of jammy qualities of 2003, they did better than many other producers in this hot vintage. Grand Cru concentration and depth but not showing a lot of floral components of Hubert Lignier. Very elegant, expressive and full of Lignier spices, ripe strawberries, soil. Quite dense, loaded with tannins and weight. A bit flabby. (92-93/100) Tasted 13 Jul 2017

Hubert Lignier Gevrey Chambertin La Justice 2014

This bottle was bought at the Domaine when I visited them back in July 2016. It improved since I last had it in Burgundy. High-toned spices and fresh strawberries, nervy acidity. La Justice is a bit more refined than the generic Gevrey Chambertin village wine. Strawberry summer spices, medium minor weight with angular palate. Smart oak spices and sweet oak toast. Fragrant yet it is not hiding the terroir. Slightly superficial, almost like a 2007 Burgundy with more ripeness. (85-86/100) Tasted 31 Oct 2017

One of the two bottles I took from Domaine Hubert Lignier last week. This 2014 is not released yet but don't get your hopes up for 2014. Difficult vintage with low concentration juice, the acidity is razor sharp and lack structure.
Slightly funky on the nose - Boiled peanuts (yes, boiled peanuts is a dish in Vietnam). Sweet cherry, strawberry, beautiful toast, vibrant spices of Hubert Lignier. Light bodied and pronounce acidity. Rustic tannins with fairish concentration from a weak vintage. (86/100) Tasted 5 Oct 2016

Lucie et Auguste Lignier Clos de la Roche 2002

Secret Burgundy INSIDER wine - Romain Lignier from Domaine Hubert Lignier sadly passed away in 2004 and Romain's wife, Kellen then inherited part of the property including some vineyards and wines. Kellen took some of the wines from 02, 03 which were vinified by Romain and sold it with her own label. Most importantly this is HALF the price of Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche 2002!
Seductive and pure aromas oozing with ripe extract. Sweet red fruits and young bouquet. Fine concentration and length.

94/100 Tasted 21 Dec 2016

Lucie et Auguste Lignier Charmes Chambertin 2007

Domaine Lucie et Auguste Lignier was owned by Kellen Lignier, the widow of Romain Lignier. Romain Lignier owns part of the Domaine Hubert Lignier and was in charge of the vineyard work and winemaking. Romain sadly passed away in 2004, Kellen decided to create this domaine to continue make wines from family owned vineyards. Her wines offers a very fragrant and charming style like Hubert Lignier, same coopers? However, not quite as distinguished or as in depth as Romaine Lignier's wine. Good effort.

88/100 Tasted 24 Mar 2017

Lucie et Auguste Lignier Clos de la Roche 2009

Clos de la Roche is the finest vineyard of Domaine Hubert Lignier, after Romain Lignier passed away in 04, there were a few disputes between Romain's wife, Kellen Lignier and her father in law. Kellen created Lucie et Auguste Lignier and made wines from 2006 - 2011 until Hubert Lignier legally claimed back the vineyards. This Clos de la Roche is very impressive. Deep rich smart oak fragrant, ripe blueberry, super sexy and rich. Great depth and pebble element. Romain would be very proud of this.

93+/100 Tasted 8 Jul 2017