Domaine des Lambrays
2019 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, 1.5 L
France

“This definitely represents a new beginning for the Clos des Lambrays, beginning with a dizzying array of aromas that range from high-toned red fruits to ripe, plummy black fruit, all touched with spice, and a suggestion of wild herbs and fresh flowers. After blending there was an average of 80% whole cluster fermentation. The texture on the palate is concentrated but not heavy, and there is a charming, silky aspect to it so, despite the tannin and density, the overall impression is one of finesse and elegance.“

“The 2019 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru has a completely different bouquet compared to 2020. Intense brambly red fruit, black plum, a little earthiness, maybe less mineralogy compared to the ‘19. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, quite fresh, more linear than expected. I wonder if this will close down for a few years? Quite compact towards the finish. Still, this is a great success. -- Neal Martin”

“Offers plenty of finesse allied to a firm structure, showcasing rose, cherry, currant, mineral, and spice flavors. Vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins are well-proportioned in this version while the aftertaste lingers on and on. A picture of elegance, purity, and length. Best from 2026 through 2045. From France. B.S.”

“Offers plenty of finesse allied to a firm structure, showcasing rose, cherry, currant, mineral and spice flavors. Vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins are well-proportioned in this version, while the aftertaste lingers on and on. A picture of elegance, purity and length. Best from 2026 through 2045. 625 cases made, 90 cases imported.”

"An extremely subtle application of wood sets off the intensely floral-scented nose of herbal tea, poached plum, spice elements, and a hint of newly turned earth. There is excellent volume to the caressing yet punchy medium weight plus flavors that exude both a lovely minerality and focused power on the delineated and beautifully persistent finish. 2019 is a fine vintage for Clos des Lambrays and one that should repay extended keeping."

"A dark crimson color. There is the power to the bouquet, in a more sombre style, with alcohol. Dried herbs on the nose. Blacker fruit. Extremely powerful wine here but more thanks to fruit concentration than overt alcohol. Quite dense and with good acidity. This is not at all seductive at this stage in its life but has the bone structure for the long term. Drink from 2030-2040+. Tasted: September 2023."

“The 2019 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru was tasted both as separate parcels per vine age and as a final blend, which is 13.6  alcohol. This year the whole bunch contribution is 80%, matured in 60% new oak, which is a little more than it used to be and from various cooperages (hitherto it was exclusively Fran ois Fr res with very light toasting.) This has an intense bouquet, initially very tightly wound and requiring aeration, gradually revealing predominantly black fruit, crushed limestone, graphite, and pressed iris flower aromas. Very fine delineation but certainly aromatics that will require bottle age. The palate confirms this. It is very fresh on the entry with a much subtler influence of the stems compared to those under former winemaker Thierry Brouin. There is a light tang of white pepper and tobacco, very fine tannins with a poised, almost understated finish that is silky smooth in texture. Swallowing a mouthful (it was the final tasting of the day) there is persistence that I think was lacking in recent vintages. This balletic, “ Margot Fonteyne of Morey-Saint-Denis”, will pirouette across your senses. -- Neal Martin”

“The 2019 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is showing very well in the bottle, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, strawberries, and plums mingled with scents of orange rind, rose petals, and sweet spices. Full-bodied, ample, and satiny, it’s a sensual, caressing wine with a fleshy core of fruit, polished tannins, and lively balancing acids. This will offer a broad drinking window.”

“The 2019 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is very promising indeed, mingling scents of blood orange, wild berries and plums with notions of exotic spices, wilted rose petals, row cocoa and loamy soil. Full-bodied, velvety and layered, it’s deep and multidimensional, with a concentrated, elegantly fleshy core, lively acids, largely concealed tannins and a precise, perfumed finish.”

"The 2019 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru has a powerful, burly nose with just a touch of VA that shaves off its potential focus. Kirsch and boysenberry are front and center, but too confit-like. The palate is medium-bodied, with quite firm tannins and a gentle grip, the acidity here binding everything together nicely. There is uncommon linearity to this 2019, but it doesn't really engage or charm on the finish. I just don't think this is the best bottle of this wine, having impressed both in barrel and just after bottling—hence my question mark. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. - By Neal Martin on September 2023"