Domaine des Lambrays was established in 1363 yet it was only in 1981 that this climat was finally promoted to Grand Cru. At 8.8 hectares, this is the largest Grand Cru parcel in Burgundy under one proprietor.
Winemaker Thierry Brouin has been in charge since 1979. The vineyards are run on more or less organic lines, with no chemical anti-rot sprays, and ploughing of the soil by horse. In the cellar, he likes to use the majority of the stems, favours punching down over pumping over, and prefers to restrain the amount of new oak – around 50% for the grand cru.
Domaine des Lambrays produces wines which possess balance, power and finesse and which fully live up to their Grand Cru status.
94 Points Allen Meadows
A highly expressive and very broad nose of superb aromatic complexity that includes earth, game, spice, red currant, plum, violets and a hint of the sauvage. The round and supple flavors possess outstanding detail and while the complexity doesn’t quite match that of the exquisite nose, it’s not far behind and this culminates in a beautifully balanced and harmonious finish that delivers striking persistence. I also had a chance to retaste the 2009 and it is bigger, richer and more powerful while the 2010 is much more of a wine of finesse and refinement. In a word, beautiful.
94 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Thierry Brouin has crafted a sublime 2010 Clos des Lambrays that should age with grace and style. It has an intense bouquet of wild hedgerow, black cherries, crushed stone and dried flowers that demonstrates even greater delineation and focus than the impressive 2009. The palate has a core of fine tannins, plenty of fresh, red berry fruit and a delicate, focused, terroir-driven finish that has plenty of power and breadth, yet remains contained and never flashy. This is a beautiful Clos des Lambrays that deserves a decade in the cellar?if you can resist temptation!