2020 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
Having the opportunity to taste five different plots separately, and then in the final blend of Clos des Lambrays, is an extraordinary experience and a masterclass in blending. Each distinct characteristic from the varying plots comes through effortlessly in the final blend, laying out the wonderous complexity of this special site. The floral, herbal, earthy, vegetal notes from the lower part of the slope provide a stunning, complex, perfumed nose which balances the richer red cherry fruit of La Plante vines beautifully, while there’s a mineral crunch to the finish from Cerisier (the lower left part of the slope). The delicate push and pull of the tannins, integrated with vibrant acidity, is wonderful. The wine is full of finesse but has no shortage of depth, with an amazing mid-palate roundness. This is hard to fault.
Critic scores
Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru has real intensity on the nose. It's very well-defined with layers of black cherry and blue fruit, mineral-driven with hints of violet emerging with aeration. But this is backward and holding itself back. The palate has exquisite balance. It's a little granular in texture, lightly spiced bordering on peppery, building beautifully in the mouth to exert an insistent grip on the finish. There is a grandeur about this Grand Cru that keeps you entranced, but it will demand time in bottle. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.
Jacques Devauges was especially proud of the relatively low alcohol – and very low pH, apparently. Sweet start and slightly lacking juice at this early point in its life when it tastes just a bit too heavy and tannic – especially compared with the 2021 Clos des Lambrays served alongside. But it went pretty well with the Sladesdown duck served with green asparagus, olives and cedrat . (JR)