Moulin-à-Vent “Champs de Cour” 2020 – Thibault Liger-Belair

The Moulin-à-Vent “Champ de Cour” 2019 by Thibault Liger-Belair is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and terroir-specific approach that defines this esteemed winemaker’s philosophy. This vintage hails from a 1.65-hectare vineyard located in the southern part of the appellation, a plot that enjoys protection from the prevailing northerly winds by the Moulin-à-Vent hill itself, and benefits from a due south exposure that ensures optimal ripeness and concentration of the grape clusters.

The terroir is characterized by a unique diversity of granite, including the yellow granite of Fleurie, the pink granite and quartz of Moulin-à-Vent, and the blue granite or feldspar from Chenas. This mix contributes to the complexity and multifaceted nature of the wine. The soil, extending like an amphitheater from Fleurie to Chenas, is about 1.5 meters deep, allowing for better hydration of the vines and ensuring consistent ripening even during dry summers.

Vinification is handled with care, with 40-50% of the harvest left in whole bunches and fermented in open vats for three weeks, followed by gentle extraction. Aging then takes place in oak barrels that have hosted one to three wines, for 18 months or more. This meticulous process is aimed at producing a wine that is both soft and approachable, yet capable of aging gracefully.

The Moulin-à-Vent “Champs de Cour”2019 – Thibault Liger-Belair  is celebrated for its impressive concentration, showcasing flavors of black fruits, irises, wilted roses, spices, and ripe fruits. Its texture is notably soft and rich, leading to a long finish that underscores the wine’s structural elegance. This vintage is a clear reflection of Liger-Belair’s intent to create wines that mirror the Moulin à Vent’s equivalent of a Chambolle Musigny, emphasizing maturity and complexity derived from the granitic diversity.