Domaine des Lambrays   Clos des Lambrays

2011 Clos des Lambrays

By Domaine des Lambrays

2011 Clos des Lambrays from Domaine des Lambrays, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France

In the pantheon of Burgundy's hallowed grounds, the 2011 Clos des Lambrays from Domaine des Lambrays holds a distinctive allure. True to its pedigree, this vintage emanates an aristocratic complexity, an ode to the exceptional terroir and meticulous viticulture championed by the estate.

 

An Investment-Calibre Vintage

A challenging year in Burgundy, 2011 had winemakers relying on prowess over nature's whims to craft wines of note. Yet it is precisely these conditions that sculpted the singularity of the 2011 Clos des Lambrays – a triumphant assertion of skill over circumstance. With precise timing and judicious yield management, Domaine des Lambrays showcased their mastery in turning a demanding harvest into an investment-calibre vintage.

 

The Tapestry of Terroir and Time

Swirling within the glass, the wine reveals a medium garnet hue, whispering of maturity yet promising vigour. The bouquet melds red berries and earthy undertones with a whisper of oak—a testament to its time spent in barrel—a harmonious marriage creating depth without overshadowing fruit purity. On the palate, subtlety reigns with layers of redcurrant and cherry intimating the cooler season yet ripened to perfection; tannins are present but refined, a delicate framework for what has evolved into an elegant liquid tapestry.

Distinguished by a moderate yield, the 2011 harvest brought forth a wine that's less about hedonistic power and more about nuance and grace. An exemplary Grand Cru that collectors might overlook in favour of riper vintages—a mistake that sage investors would not commit as this 2011 Clos des Lambrays offers a particular charm with its gentle maturity.

In conclusion, the 2011 Clos des Lambrays stands as a connoisseur’s whisper amidst a crowd of louder vintages. It is one for the astute investor who values poise over pomp—a testament to how tension and restraint can garner allure in a region lauded for opulence. This vintage embodies the adroit dance between viticulturist ambition and nature’s whim, resulting in an offering ripe for diversifying one’s cache of fine wines.

Current market price

£2,350.00

12x75cl

Highest score

89

POP score

261.11

Scores and tasting notes

89

Quite pale in color for a grand cru, the Clos des Lambrays 2011 has a very spicy bouquet with touches of wild mint and damp woodland scents coming through with aeration. The palate is light and slightly fleshy: fresh strawberry and red cherry leading to a light, peppery finish. It does lacks some substance at the beginning, although aeration sees it gaining more intensity while retaining its delineation and focus.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 November 2014

Vintage performance