Over the past five years, Clos des Lambrays has been a domaine to watch closely.
It's clear that Clos des Lambrays is at the top of their game, and seeing Lambrays hitting on all eight cylinders is really exciting.
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In recent vintages, there have been some epic Lambrays. To this list, we'll add the 2018, which I'm happy to offer at very sharp pricing.
Lambray's 2018 has incredible depth and length, boasting serious structure and layered complexity.
Anyone who has been lucky enough to have old bottles of Clos des Lambrays knows how impressive the wines can be. Their 1949 is the most famous example.
In the monograph he penned on the Clos des Lambrays site, French wine writer Charles Quintesson described it as "iron hands in velvet gloves." The site blends the muscle that you'd find in one of Gevrey's Grand Crus with the finesse and suave tannins that you find in Chambolle's. Lambrays dazzles, but there's also a comforting element to it that I love.
The 2018 Lambrays possesses powerful savory notes of leather and topsoil along with floral and spice-accented high notes. Everything is presented in an intensely punchy and rugged fashion. It's hard not to be in awe of its unyielding and multifaceted character.
Clos des Lambrays has long been one of the smart buys for Grand Cru Burgundy. In 2015, Bernard Arnault, the owner of LVMH, purchased Lambrays and started pouring money into the domaine, which included creating a new winery. It's clear that the domaine is being positioned to compete with Burgundy's best. My advice is to take advantage of the current pricing because there's little doubt that the days are numbered.
To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Ian McFadden
Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits
Burghound: "A slightly riper mix reflects notes of black cherry, cassis plum and plenty of spice and floral nuances, especially violet. On the palate there is good freshness and vivacity as the succulent and rounded middle weight plus flavors also possess a beguiling texture before culminating in a powerful, sappy, firm and somewhat raspy finish. Compared to the 2019 version, the tannins are not as fine nor is the balance quite as well dialed in but even so, there is still plenty of admire. I would point out that this wine was vinified by the prior régisseur Boris Champy while it was bottled by Jacques Devauges."