Domaine des Lambrays, Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 2013

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2013 Clos des Lambrays is whole bunch as usual (whereas the Morey Saint Denis is destemmed) and raised in 50% new oak. Thierry Brouin assembled my sample from four barrels scattered around the cellar, since the ventilation at one end creates variance in maturation. It has a refined bouquet with crisp leafy red berry fruit, harmonious and gaining intensity in the glass, fine mineralité underneath. The palate is well balanced with fine tannins and very well-judged acidity. This feels very harmonious with more energy and tension than the 2012, structured with a bright and vivacious finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is a classy Clos des Lambrays 2013 that should age with panache.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is a divisive wine, not one for those seeking layer upon layer of fruit. It is more mature in appearance than its peers, perhaps missing the fruit intensity one would anticipate from a grand cru of this stature. There is something a little "dusty attic" here although that ebbs away with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly leafy entry, gentle and elegant, full of personality. It is missing the weight and volume that a more benevolent vintage would have lent and it does not quite possess the structure or substance to suggest long-term. Yet, it remains a well-crafted and to put it prosaically, is absolutely delicious. Tasted September 2016.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2013 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is a wine that I have tasted on several occasions although never from magnum. It has a classic earthy, slightly green bouquet with touches of dusty attic that I have commented upon before. The palate is firm and grippy on the entry, leafier than I was expecting with a rather tapered finish. I have scored this more highly in the past - here it just feels like a gawky teenager. Tasted at Goedhuis & Co.'s annual Burgundy tasting in London.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Medium-deep red. Complex, high-pitched perfume melds blackberry, cherry, wild herbs, black pepper, underbrush and dried flowers. Classic Clos des Lambrays in its combination of red and black fruits, dried flowers, minerals, spices, licorice and earth and its pungent inner-mouth energy. This wine actually reminded me of a 1978! Finishes with firm, noble tannins and terrific piquant length. This is actually easier to taste today than the village wine but should evolve very slowly.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(production of the estate's grand cru was just 25 hectoliters per hectare in 2013, according to Brouin): Healthy bright red. A sexy earthy perfume makes for a deep, mellow nose; smells thick! Then lush and deep on the palate, but with surprising energy and shape to the highly complex flavors of cherry, clove, espresso, dried flowers, licorice pastille, underbrush and minerals. Wonderfully plush and voluminous without any excess weight. The penetrating finish is gripping and very long. Superb, terroir-driven grand cru with a long future ahead of it.