Château de Vosne-Romanée
21700 Vosne-Romanée
Telephone: +33(0) 380 62 13 70
Fax: +33(0) 380 62 13 70
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.liger-belair.fr

Overview

• Area under vine: 9 hectares producing 22,000 bottles on average per year
• The domaine was first acquired by General Louis Liger-Belair in 1815 and is now headed by the seventh-generation family member, Louis-Michel Liger-Belair since 2000

Unique Aspects

• In the 19th century, General Louis Liger-Belair owned about 60 ha of vineyards including La Tache, La Romanee, Les Richebourgs and La Grand Rue
• Organic & biodynamic methods are used in the vineyard
• Winery espouses minimal intervention and works with gravity flow rather than pumps; all bunches are de-stemmed and gently crushed

Jeannie’s Insights

Louis-Michel’s youthful enthusiasm is infectious. He is committed to restoring the domaine’s former glory, about 100 years ago when the domaine had such coveted vineyards like La Tache and La Grand Rue. Now these Grand Cru vineyards belong to Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Domaine Francois Lamarche respectively. In 2000 when Louis-Michel started to take over the family’s vineyard, there was just over 3 ha. But in 2006, Louis-Michel had the opportunity to acquire an additional 6 ha, increasing their size to the current 9 ha.

The family jewel that was not lost over the years is Grand Cru vineyard La Romanee. This is the smallest Grand Cru in Burgundy and the smallest Appellation Controlee in France with only .8 hectares. For over 50 years, the vineyard was managed by Regis Forey who made the wine and half the production was matured and marketed by Bouchard Pere et Fils. However, since the 2006 vintage, Liger-Belairs bought out other family interests and took over the vineyard and winemaking, with Louis-Michel determined that this small parcel retain its rightful place at the top of the Grand Cru pyramid.

La Romanee enjoys similar geological terroir and topographical aspects as Romanee-Conti and is surrounded by Grand Cru vineyards. Situated just west of the Romanee-Conti vineyard, the two sites are adjacent. To the north is Richbourg and to the south La Grand Rue. Soil excavations showed very little differences in their soils – the only difference being an outcrop of Premeaux limestone at La Grand Rue. The site also has a slight increase in slope at the top.

Quality has improved substantially since Louis-Michel’s involvement for all of their wines, not just the Grand Crus. Despite its long history, the domaine suffered a dip in quality until Louis-Michel took charge in 2000. Since then, there has been a great turn around. This is a domaine worth following.

Jeannie’s Tasting Notes

2010 Liger-Belair – La Romanee Grand Cru

Lovely, delicate, and gentle flavours that combine floral notes, mixed spices, and strawberries. This wine is harmonious with all of its components in balance. The silky texture of the tannins is supported by firm acidity layered with sweet red berry fruits and subtle spices. Good length and seductive flavours. (94)

2011 Liger-Belair – Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Brulees

Wonderful nose – spices, herbs, dark berries and floral notes. Seductive and silky with flavours that linger in the finish. Only 1 barrel of this wine made and only available in large formats. (93)

2011 Liger-Belair – Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Petits Monts

Sensual, silky flavoured red from 60 year old vines. Cool expression with freshness and mineral notes. Gentle spices, floral notes and cherries. Lovely long finish. 2 barrels of this wine are made. Vineyard is located above Richebourg. (93)

Recommended Wines

• La Romanee Grand Cru
• Echezeaux Grand Cru
• Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Brulees
• Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Petits Monts
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Cras