2020 Domaine des Lambrays, Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 1x3L

Vinous 97

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. [Neal Martin, 10/01/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2030-2060

Robert Parker 95

The 2020 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is promising, unwinding in the glass with a dark and brooding bouquet of cassis, elderberries and plums mingled with notions of smoked duck, spices, bitter orange and rose petals. Full-bodied, deep and layered, it’s rich and concentrated (reflecting derisory yields of only 15 hectoliters per hectare), with powdery tannins, lively acids and a long, resonant finish. With the 2020, we begin to approach the levels of intensity and texture found in the domaine’s wines of yesteryear, and if this wine realizes all its promise, my score will look conservative. [William Kelley, 12/19/2021]

JancisRobinson.com 17++

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) [03/12/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2047