Domaine des Lambrays is a well-respected, long-standing producer in Burgundy, with its current house and cellar dating back to the 16th century. It has changed ownership several times, with giant LVMH purchasing them in 2014 (but according to those in-the-know, still keeping the same quality).
The domaine is best-known for its wines from the ‘Clos des Lambrays’ Grand Cru vineyard, which is *almost* their monopole (Taupenot-Merme, a producer that I think is underrated, owns a teeny tiny plot that is less than 5% of the vineyard).
This bottling, their Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru ‘Les Loups’, isn’t quite as well-known but is interesting — it’s a blend of fruit from young vines from the Clos des Lambrays GC and older vines from the ‘Clos Sorbe’ 1er Cru vineyard near the domaine house. The “Loups” (wolves) are a reference to the the village crest of Morey-St-Denis and the domaine’s own logo.
The 2002 vintage is a celebrated one that benefitted from warm (but not hot), dry conditions in the Cote de Nuitsc, and it’s known for fresh, elegant wines. This bottle comes in at 13.5% ABV.
**Tasting Notes:** Striking ruby color with garnet towards the rim. Beautiful, developed nose of red cherries, spice, dried rose petals, earth, and sous bois. Delicate palate with soft, fully resolved tannins, tart (but not overwhelmingly so) acidity, and a long, elegant, earthy finish. Not so much a showstopper as much as a thinking wine, which I enjoyed very much. Definitely one to drink now/soon.
*Note: Before anyone asks — no, I didn’t use AI. I just like using em dashes since long before ChatGPT was a thing. I did consult Wine-Searcher and the producer’s website to check some of the facts, though.*
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Domaine des Lambrays is a well-respected, long-standing producer in Burgundy, with its current house and cellar dating back to the 16th century. It has changed ownership several times, with giant LVMH purchasing them in 2014 (but according to those in-the-know, still keeping the same quality).
The domaine is best-known for its wines from the ‘Clos des Lambrays’ Grand Cru vineyard, which is *almost* their monopole (Taupenot-Merme, a producer that I think is underrated, owns a teeny tiny plot that is less than 5% of the vineyard).
This bottling, their Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru ‘Les Loups’, isn’t quite as well-known but is interesting — it’s a blend of fruit from young vines from the Clos des Lambrays GC and older vines from the ‘Clos Sorbe’ 1er Cru vineyard near the domaine house. The “Loups” (wolves) are a reference to the the village crest of Morey-St-Denis and the domaine’s own logo.
The 2002 vintage is a celebrated one that benefitted from warm (but not hot), dry conditions in the Cote de Nuitsc, and it’s known for fresh, elegant wines. This bottle comes in at 13.5% ABV.
**Tasting Notes:** Striking ruby color with garnet towards the rim. Beautiful, developed nose of red cherries, spice, dried rose petals, earth, and sous bois. Delicate palate with soft, fully resolved tannins, tart (but not overwhelmingly so) acidity, and a long, elegant, earthy finish. Not so much a showstopper as much as a thinking wine, which I enjoyed very much. Definitely one to drink now/soon.
*Note: Before anyone asks — no, I didn’t use AI. I just like using em dashes since long before ChatGPT was a thing. I did consult Wine-Searcher and the producer’s website to check some of the facts, though.*