2001 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays

WINE TALK
1

I was in the mood for Burgundy (surprise!) and this popped out on the list at a local joint.

Right away, the smell was unmistakably, intoxicatingly, Pinot Noir. Served blind, I might have had a hard time, judging by the smell, to say Burgundy, but not in a bad way. There were CA elements in there, but more on the elegant side. Sharp red berries swathed in a cloak of underbrush and minerals filled the senses, but on the palate it was rather lean at first. As it sat in the glass, it began to unveil more red berries but also more mid-palate density, with minerals and that lovely musk that Burgs get. Soon a nice spiciness joined the party, and as with all things Burgundy, good things come to those who wait. A deep, slightly spicy berried muskiness developped, a lovely aroma that I just wanted to keep sniffing. And the palate really fleshed out but retained its voluptuous elegance, a silky body that ended with a long, lip-smacking finish that lived up to its Grand Cru name.

In other words, delicious, but needs some time to open up.
Cheers! [gen_fro.gif]

2

Clos des Lambrays is easily the earliest drinking GC in Burgundy. They do stay open and generally dont shut down. Most 2001 GC’s are not pleasurable to drink for me at the current moment, but this being Lambrays…I had a 1994 (maybe the worst vintage of the 90’s) at the Domaine about 5 months ago and it was still very nice.

3

I hadn’t had a CdL in a while, so seeing this on the list whet my curiosity. And I do love those 2001s, they’re really coming around nicely.

4

Thanks for the notes, Michel. This has been one of my favorite QPR Burgs. I haven’t had the '01 in about a year or so. Sounds like there is no rush to open my remaining bottles.

5

I also love the 01, it has a really pronounced spiciness that is quite pronounced in a lineup. I remember having this at the domaine 2 years ago and it was fantastic, but I don’t think I’ve had it since. I need to rectify that!