Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 1999 Domaine des Lambrays

Region: Côte de Nuits                                         Vintage: 1999

Appellation: Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru    Grape: Pinot Noir

Producer: Thierry Brouin                                    Format: 75cl

The Clos des Lambrays was promoted to grand cru status in 1981 and today is almost a monopole of Domaine des Lambrays who own 

8.66 hectares, a small 0.04 hectare plot in the lower section is owned by Domaine Taupenot-Merme. Located in Morey-Saint-Denis between

Clos de Tart and Clos Saint-Denis, this is the steepest of the Morey grand crus with its highest part at 320 metres above sea-level descending

to 270 metres near the village. Clos des Lambrays includes three sub-climates each having its own distinct terroir. Les Bouchots at the top

has rockier ground with marly soil, Les Larrets is the main part with excellent silts and Meix Rentier the lowest part has deeper clay based  

soils. These features impart finesse and power to produce a rounded wine suited for long ageing.

Reserved black cherry notes and pinot fruit followed by medium weight flavors of bacon, smoke and sappy pinot extract all highlighted by an

intense minerality and fine length. This has added a good deal of weight and seems more powerful than before yet it remains very stylish and 

classy with excellent potential. There is so much baby fat that this could be approached now with food but it seems a shame to waste such fine

potential so young. Still, if you're inclined, this is impressive now.

Tasted: Sep 21, 2004 / Score: 92

Allen Meadows, Burghound.com