Domaine des Lambrays "Clos des Lambrays" Grand Cru 2021

Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 2021: A Near-Monopoly, a Mosaic of Terroirs

Clos des Lambrays occupies a unique position in the Côte de Nuits: with its 8 hectares held almost exclusively by Domaine des Lambrays, it is one of the few wine estates of this scale in the Côte de Nuits. The 2021 vintage, demanding by nature, produced a small harvest that, according to the wine estate’s observers, echoes the signature style of the 2017 vintage, combining supple texture with a complex bouquet. Under the leadership of Jacques Devauges, formerly of Clos de Tart, the wine estate has pursued a clear ambition since LVMH acquired a stake in the business.

Tasting the Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 2021: Profile, Food Pairings, and peak drinking window

The Tasting

The color is a medium ruby with purplish highlights characteristic of a still-young Pinot Noir, displaying beautiful clarity. The nose opens with notes of macerated cherry and blackcurrant powder—the signature aromas of the 2021 Clos des Lambrays—complemented by noble vegetal notes from whole-bunch fermentation, as well as subtle hints of blackberry and blueberry. With aeration, the bouquet gains floral complexity. On the palate, the wine reveals a texture that is both supple and smooth, supported by silky tannins and a refined structure that never seeks to show off. The lingering finish extends the aromas of red and black fruits with lovely freshness, leaving an impression of precision and delicacy consistent with the character of this Grand Cru.

• Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru
• Terroir: Côte de Nuits, Morey-Saint-Denis
• Vineyard area: 8 hectares
• Average age of vines: over 60 years
• Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.
• Ageing: oak barrels, 60% of which are new

Food and Wine Pairings

The wine’s refined structure and smooth texture naturally pair well with exceptional dishes: a roasted pheasant or a young partridge casserole will find an ideal match in this Grand Cru, as will a roast beef served with black truffles. A well-aged Époisses or a mature Cîteaux will complement the roundness of the tannins without overpowering its delicacy.

Aging Potential

The 2021 vintage can be enjoyed now to appreciate its characteristic purity of fruit and aromatic freshness, but it deserves several years of cellaring to reveal its full potential. It has a reasonable aging potential of fifteen to twenty-five years from the vintage, supported by silky, well-integrated tannins, the balance between body and the vintage’s natural acidity, as well as the richness of the vineyard’s clay-limestone and marl terroir. Tertiary aromas of forest floor, truffle, and sweet spices will gradually enrich the wine’s current fruity profile. If opening soon, decanting for one hour will allow the bouquet to fully unfold.

Vineyard, Terroir, and Cellar: The Making of Clos des Lambrays 2021

The Vintage in the Vineyard

The year 2021 brought particularly challenging weather conditions to all of Burgundy. Early spring frosts affected the vines, significantly reducing the harvest volume. Persistent fungal pressure throughout the season required constant vigilance in the rows. Clos des Lambrays, with its mosaic of soils—ranging from marl at the top of the hillside to mixtures of clay and limestone at the bottom—offered varied drainage and growing conditions depending on the specific plot. The harvest, smaller than usual, yielded grapes of concentrated quality, the foundation for a wine with a supple body and a complex bouquet.

Work in the Cellar

Jacques Devauges opted for whole-bunch fermentation, the effects of which are directly evident in the 2021’s aromatic profile, with those noble vegetal notes that run through the bouquet. Ageing in oak barrels, with 60% new oak, complements the wine’s body without weighing it down, aiming for the gradual integration of oak into the Pinot Noir’s silky texture. This approach, consistent with the ambition to restore the historic reputation of the Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, confirms the direction the wine estate has taken since the arrival of its technical director.