Domaine des Lambrays
About Domaine des Lambrays
Domaine des Lambrays is a highly regarded producer in Burgundy, known for producing exceptional wines from the Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru vineyard. The domaine has a fascinating history dating back to at least the 14th century when the vineyard was owned by the Abbey of Cîteaux.
Under the ownership of the Saier family since 1981, the estate has become one of the most respected in Burgundy, with a reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and finesse. Domaine des Lambrays is now owned by French luxury group LVMH, and the estate is run by ex-Clos de Tart winemaker Jacques Devauges.
Devauges has brought his innovative approach to winemaking to the estate, with a focus on organic viticulture and a commitment to highlighting the subtle variations in each plot of the Clos des Lambrays vineyard. With its rich history and commitment to quality, Domaine des Lambrays is a true Burgundy icon and a producer that wine lovers should have on their radar.
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Burgundy | 1 | 98 (DC) | $2,570.00 | |||||
Decanter (98)This definitely represents a new beginning for the Clos des Lambrays, beginning with a dizzying array of aromas that range from high-toned red fruits to ripe, plummy black fruit, all touched with spice, and a suggestion of wild herbs and fresh flowers. After blending there was an average of 80% whole cluster fermentation. The texture on the palate is concentrated but not heavy, and there is a charming, silky aspect to it so, despite the tannin and density, the overall impression is one of finesse and elegance. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96-98 (IB) | $5,155.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (96-98)(5-Star Wine) I tasted five of the 11 individual parcellaire cuvées – everything makes it in to the final blend except for the young vine block notes in the Morey 1er Cru. Jacques is adamant that the final wine should respect the totality of the Clos. Then we tried the blend: already, this seems to have taken on a deeper colour than any of the individual cuvees. Deep dense dark fruit, with a powerful underlying dark raspberry with some more lifted rose petal notes. Probably 85% whole bunch overall but the power of the fruit stops this taking the lead. It does underpin the whole though, especially on the palate, while there is also a crystalline limestone purity behind the sweetly ripe red berry fruit. The 2020 Lambrays has more heart to it than most vintages I have tasted in barrel. There is a fine long finish, a little liquorice touch, a complex and ageworthy Lambrays. Delicacy with a strong tensile thread. Tannins by analysis are very significant but you don’t see them. From now on, the wine will spend a second winter in barrel each year. I toyed with not giving the wine 5 stars, to leave the new team something to aim at, but the wine merits the top classification. Tasted: December 2021 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96-98 (IB) | $2,980.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (96-98)(5-Star Wine) I tasted five of the 11 individual parcellaire cuvées – everything makes it in to the final blend except for the young vine block notes in the Morey 1er Cru. Jacques is adamant that the final wine should respect the totality of the Clos. Then we tried the blend: already, this seems to have taken on a deeper colour than any of the individual cuvees. Deep dense dark fruit, with a powerful underlying dark raspberry with some more lifted rose petal notes. Probably 85% whole bunch overall but the power of the fruit stops this taking the lead. It does underpin the whole though, especially on the palate, while there is also a crystalline limestone purity behind the sweetly ripe red berry fruit. The 2020 Lambrays has more heart to it than most vintages I have tasted in barrel. There is a fine long finish, a little liquorice touch, a complex and ageworthy Lambrays. Delicacy with a strong tensile thread. Tannins by analysis are very significant but you don’t see them. From now on, the wine will spend a second winter in barrel each year. I toyed with not giving the wine 5 stars, to leave the new team something to aim at, but the wine merits the top classification. Tasted: December 2021 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96-98 (IB) | $1,220.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (96-98)(5-Star Wine) I tasted five of the 11 individual parcellaire cuvées – everything makes it in to the final blend except for the young vine block notes in the Morey 1er Cru. Jacques is adamant that the final wine should respect the totality of the Clos. Then we tried the blend: already, this seems to have taken on a deeper colour than any of the individual cuvees. Deep dense dark fruit, with a powerful underlying dark raspberry with some more lifted rose petal notes. Probably 85% whole bunch overall but the power of the fruit stops this taking the lead. It does underpin the whole though, especially on the palate, while there is also a crystalline limestone purity behind the sweetly ripe red berry fruit. The 2020 Lambrays has more heart to it than most vintages I have tasted in barrel. There is a fine long finish, a little liquorice touch, a complex and ageworthy Lambrays. Delicacy with a strong tensile thread. Tannins by analysis are very significant but you don’t see them. From now on, the wine will spend a second winter in barrel each year. I toyed with not giving the wine 5 stars, to leave the new team something to aim at, but the wine merits the top classification. Tasted: December 2021 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 2027-2050 (DC) | $643.00 | |||||
Decanter (2027-2050)It is hard to overstate my enthusiasm for this wine, with its impressive ripeness, plump, plummy fruit with notes of black cherry and liquorice. The texture is densely structured, firm but not hard, and long but not heavy. There is still the freshness and finesse to make this among the best wines of the vintage. This is the reunion of all the old-vine parcels in the Clos and a pretty convincing argument for director Jacques Devauges’ assertion that Lambrays is the pinnacle of Morey-St-Denis. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 2027-2050 (DC) | $3,790.00 | |||||
Decanter (2027-2050)It is hard to overstate my enthusiasm for this wine, with its impressive ripeness, plump, plummy fruit with notes of black cherry and liquorice. The texture is densely structured, firm but not hard, and long but not heavy. There is still the freshness and finesse to make this among the best wines of the vintage. This is the reunion of all the old-vine parcels in the Clos and a pretty convincing argument for director Jacques Devauges’ assertion that Lambrays is the pinnacle of Morey-St-Denis. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 2027-2050 (DC) | $1,230.00 | |||||
Decanter (2027-2050)It is hard to overstate my enthusiasm for this wine, with its impressive ripeness, plump, plummy fruit with notes of black cherry and liquorice. The texture is densely structured, firm but not hard, and long but not heavy. There is still the freshness and finesse to make this among the best wines of the vintage. This is the reunion of all the old-vine parcels in the Clos and a pretty convincing argument for director Jacques Devauges’ assertion that Lambrays is the pinnacle of Morey-St-Denis. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 2027-2050 (DC) | $2,875.00 | |||||
Decanter (2027-2050)It is hard to overstate my enthusiasm for this wine, with its impressive ripeness, plump, plummy fruit with notes of black cherry and liquorice. The texture is densely structured, firm but not hard, and long but not heavy. There is still the freshness and finesse to make this among the best wines of the vintage. This is the reunion of all the old-vine parcels in the Clos and a pretty convincing argument for director Jacques Devauges’ assertion that Lambrays is the pinnacle of Morey-St-Denis. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 100.0 | $1,375.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 100.0 | $2,540.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 2 | 96-98 (VN (NM)) | $1,650.00 | |||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (96-98)Eleven different cuvées combine to form the 2023 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, with every square meter contributing to the blend, to quote Jacques Devauges verbatim (as an aside, this is the same philosophy at Cheval Blanc, which is also on LVMH's mantelpiece). This vintage includes 80% whole bunch and was raised in 60% new oak. The bouquet is very expressive with ebullient red berry fruit, tobacco, forest floor and subtle aromas of ceps. The palate is medium-bodied with fine yet firm tannins that lend backbone and gentle grip. This fans out with style on the sapid finish with a liberal sprinkling of black pepper. The 2023 ranks alongside the 2022 and may even surpass it. Prices have skyrocketed in recent years and priced out many Lambrays-lovers, but one cannot deny the quality. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | $178.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | - | $824.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 91-93 (VN) | $179.00 | |||||
Vinous (91-93)The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Loups 1er Cru contains half Premier Crus (La Riotte and Clos Sorbé) and the other half from younger vines in Clos des Lambrays planted in 2000 that is likely to enter the Grant Vin next year. Including 50% whole bunches, it has an attractive dark berry fruit and subtle briny scents on the nose. Good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, a mixture of red and black fruit with a very precise finish enhanced by the stem addition. This is a much more serious wine than the Village Cru. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93-96 (IB) | $890.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-96)This cuvée no longer contains Clos des Lambrays young vines. The plot called 30 rangs (planted 2000) was in this wine up to 2021. La Riotte and Le Village remain, the 20 ares of Clos Sorbe has been added to new vineyards (see below) from Domaine Cosson, but instead there is fruit from half a hectare of Les Blanchards, also ex Cosson. Glowing purple. A beautifully lifted bouquet with 40% whole bunches, alpine strawberries, all in finesse. Then the wine builds to an extra level of intensity, more than expected from the elegance of the nose, The fruit shows additional nuances as well, entirely red fruit, some ripe cherries now showing as well. Just a few spices to finish. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 87 (VN) | $1,245.00 | |||||
Vinous (87)Barely medium red. Candied cherry and strawberry along with a hint of cinnamon on the nose. Sweet, supple and fruit-driven, with fairly deep flavors of cherry, red berries and spices. This was a rather full 13.5% natural alcohol. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 88 (VN) | $107.00 | |||||
Vinous (88)(aged in one-third new oak): Good medium red. Slightly sauvage aromas of red plum, currant, chocolate, mocha and leather. Offers modest depth and flesh but nice cut and peppery energy to its musky red fruit flavors. This distinctly low-fat wine has well-integrated acidity and finishes with good length. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 90+ (VN) | $372.00 | |||||
Vinous (90+)(completely destemmed and aged in one-third new oak; bottled in March, along with the sold-out premier cru, which I did not have a chance to taste, and the Clos des Lambrays): Moderately saturated medium red. Very ripe but not roasted on the nose, with its raspberry fruit complicated by spices and sexy earth tones, plus a slightly metallic whiff of cassis bud reduction. Juicy, spicy and savory but still a bit youthfully imploded for village wine. At once less sweet and less floral than the 2016 version, but if that wine is more fun, this one is deeper. Finishes with a firm tannic spine. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 90+ (VN) | $700.00 | |||||
Vinous (90+)(completely destemmed and aged in one-third new oak; bottled in March, along with the sold-out premier cru, which I did not have a chance to taste, and the Clos des Lambrays): Moderately saturated medium red. Very ripe but not roasted on the nose, with its raspberry fruit complicated by spices and sexy earth tones, plus a slightly metallic whiff of cassis bud reduction. Juicy, spicy and savory but still a bit youthfully imploded for village wine. At once less sweet and less floral than the 2016 version, but if that wine is more fun, this one is deeper. Finishes with a firm tannic spine. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 16.5 (JR) | $131.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (16.5)Blend of fruit from La Bidaude (very poor soils and lots of hard limestone), En la Rue de Vergy, Clos Solon. Bidaude should be a premier cru, suggests Bruno Champy. (Lavalle map shows it as such 1855.) One-third new oak, one-third second use. 100% destemmed. On lees and has not been racked. Will be racked today (pump arrives on cue). Rich black fruit with just a touch of smoky reduction. Smoky and spiced on the nose. Concentrated dark fruit in the heart but surrounded by smooth ripe tannins. Great depth of fruit and elegant at the same time. Rich but approachable. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 87-89 (VN) | $702.00 | |||||
Vinous (87-89)The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Village comes from the upper sectors of the vineyard and is completely de-stemmed. It has an attractive nose with dark berry fruit, loam and light seaweed scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very smooth, creamy textured and seductive with a plummy, sensual finish. Not bad, though chasing the tail of Lambray's other 2021s. |
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