2018 Domaine des Lambrays, Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 3×1.5L

Vinous 97

The 2018 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru does not quite have the amplitude of Magnien’s Clos Saint-Denis, but it displays more vivacious red fruit, clarifying with aeration and eventually develops quite an ethereal quality. The palate is beautifully balanced with sappy red fruit laced with white pepper, sage and graphite notes. Superb structure on the finish – quintessentially Morey-Saint-Denis with wonderful sappiness. Bon vin! Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting. [Neal Martin, 11/22/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2028-2055

Robert Parker 94

The 2018 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is showing very well, exhibiting notes of cassis, ripe wild berries, dark chocolate, black truffles, grilled squab and rich soil tones. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, multidimensional and elegant, with refined structuring tannins, lively acids and good concentration. This is a deep and complete Clos des Lambrays that was vinified with 80% whole cluster and matured in 50% new oak. At 13.6% alcohol, it’s very nicely balanced and seems set to rank as the finest rendition of this quasi-monopole since at least 2015. [William Kelley, 12/17/2019]

JancisRobinson.com 18

60 m difference in height between the top and the bottom of the Clos. 80% whole bunch and 50% new barrels. Barrel sample. Deeply coloured. Perfumed and dark and rocky on the nose. A hint of pepper but the most elegant, restrained dark-red fruit. Just a touch of oak spice. Savoury spice not sweet spice. Incredibly tender tannins. They did three punchdowns a day but did not push down to the bottom of the tank. There’s power in the mid palate but it is delicate on the finish, such tannic finesse that you almost miss the power of the vintage. Darkness to the fruit shows the ripeness. Very very long and so elegant already. Oak eaten by the fruit. A definite mineral/pepper layer adds to the freshness. Mouth-watering even if the acidity is only moderate (pH 3.65). Well balanced at 13.7%. (JH) [11/26/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2040