Domaine Lignier-Michelot Clos de la Roche

GMs - Kevin back in Town : Blind. Blood and iron, leather, cherry, stem my and blackcurrant - great aromatic composition. The palate doesn't quite live up to the promise of the nose, though it is still good, with some forest floor character and savoury notes throughout. Medium length. A 2004 success.

Ruby color. Lovely nose of raspberry, dark forest floor, crushed plum, violets, earth. Pure, sharp mulberry fruit on the palate with lots of oak spice. Nice acidity and moderated fine grained tannin. Moderately long finish of red grippy fruit. Enjoyable but would have been more so without the oak bite.

smooth, rich, ready

lovely, elegant and bold at the same time, D/H

A bit rustic, and while not "GC "quality,still very nice.Sweet, soft round with low acid. D/H

Much has been written about the 2004 vintage with respect to the prevalence of ladybugs (coccinelle en francais) in the vineyards, and the unusual aromas in some of the 04 reds which may be related to it. This wine was experienced over two nights. On opening, there was a distinct "2004" aroma; like a green wine, but a little more chemical. Interestingly, on the second evening, this had nearly disappeared, revealing the elegant wine beneath. I have experienced the coccinelle …

Muted nose, but less closed than last year. Showing hints of its breeding. Some oak, but overall good black-led fruit.

Have not tasted this in a year. But on tonight's showing, it's not in a good phase. Not much fruit on the nose. Dark fruits on the palate. Texture is still pleasing, but the breadth and length is not there tonight. Remainder tasted 2 nights later - mellower but still lacking overall complexity.

Charcoal, pickle barrel, stalk. Wow, total silk robe, layers of rocks and raspberry. Very full palate. Sweet tarts. Short finish. Sneaky tannins.