1995 Charmes Chambertin
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
This has now arrived at a point where it's become quite civilized though it remains relatively deeply colored. The expressive nose offers subtle smoke notes that complement the now mostly secondary mix of red and black fruits that are followed by ripe, rich and reasonably dense medium-bodied flavors that deliver excellent depth and length. As is usually the case with the Lignier Charmes, this is quite stylish and has now lost the the grapey character it once had. In sum, this is a lovely Charmes-Chambertin that has reached the front-end of its maturity and as such, it should drink well for several decades to come. Tasted thrice with largely consistent notes.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Allen Meadows, Burghound
More reviews and scores
Possessing enthralling aromas of deeply spicy cherries, Lignier's multi-dimensional Charmes-Chambertin is a fabulously concentrated, elegant, powerful, medium-to-full bodied, berry and cherry-filled wine gently touched by some sweet oak. It is spectacular, yet it will be better with 4 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2010. This note is the result of tastings I did in Burgundy between January 7 and January 29. The wine was tasted from cask, not bottle. Pinot Noir, a fragile varietal, reacts poorly to fining, filtration, and careless bottling techniques, I recommend caution when considering buying a red burgundy based on cask samples. I called it as I tasted it, and hope the bottled wine reflects the quality of the samples I was provided. Importer: Neal Rosenthal, Select Vineyards, Shekomeko, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990.
More laid-back nose shows darker aromas of cassis and violets. Fatter and sweeter in the mouth. As dense as the Combottes but perhaps ultimately less complex, and clearly different in shape and style. This is much more accessible now, and should reach its peak sooner. Romain says the Ligniers' Combottes is more regular in quality than their Charmes holding; he actually prefers the Combottes in '95, '93 and '91.