Domaine des Lambrays

A History of Harmony
Since they were first erected by Cistercian monks in 1365, the walls surrounding the Clos des Lambrays have been a symbol of the history and unity of the 8.66 hectares (≈ 21.4 acres) of vines. Over the course of the estate’s 650-year history, the unity of the Clos has not always been secure. The French Revolution saw the vineyard split across 74 different owners, but its reassembly by the Rodier family in the late 1890s was a defining moment in the Domaine’s past, influencing its present, and driving its philosophy, for the future, under the auspices of Groupe LVMH since 2014. In March 2019, Jacques Devauges joined the estate as the General Manager and the Chief Winemaker.

The careful cultivation of this historic Clos has led to notable development. In 2019, Domaines des Lambrays began organic viticulture, obtaining ECOCERT certification in 2022. In 2020, this initiative extended to biodynamic growing, cultivating the Clos as carefully as if it were a garden. The Domaine has also continued to reunite vineyard sites to the original estate as well as construct new cellars and a vat house. Rediscovering the essence and emotion found in the mythical bottles of Clos des Lambrays from the early 1900s, which still impress today after so many decades is the vision of the whole team, and the inspiration driving their daily efforts in the vineyard and in the cellar.

Morey-Saint-Denis
In the heart of the village of Morey-Saint-Denis, Domaine des Lambrays is situated among vine-covered rolling hills where limestone paths meander along stone walls, and an iconic arched stone gate leads way to 202 ouvrées, or plots of land (8.66 hectares ≙ 21.3 acres) owned by the Domaine. On a clear day, the Alps cut a sharp silhouette in the background. In between Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, the village of Morey-Saint-Denis has the largest concentration of vines ranked as Grand Cru within the Côtes de Nuits, including Clos des Lambrays, one of the 33 Grands Crus of Bourgogne.

A Unique Vineyard
Within what is practically a monopole (202 of the 203 ouvrées are owned by the Domaine), 12 plots have been identified. The smooth slopes of the hillside are subjected to complex sun exposures where the vines have grown for an average of 90 years. The topographical diversity of these slopes gives the Pinot Noir an optimal, varied terroir. Within the Clos, one climat (defined as a traditional terroir linked to a specific wine) provides the foundation for three vineyard areas: Les Larrets, Les Bouchots, and Le Meix-Rentier. On a steep slope with shallow topsoil, Les Larrets brings elegance and finesse to the Clos des Lambrays. Le Meix-Rentier is at the bottom of the hill, composed of a deeper bed of soil, and composes the backbone of the wine. Les Bouchots is on the northern most section of the vineyard, at the exit of the Morey Combe, and is usually picked at the end of harvest. All three components enrich the final wine with subtlety and character.

The Wines
Each parcel of vines is vinified individually in small vats, and subsequently the component parts are blended in varying proportions to represent the entirety of the Clos. Cutting edge equipment such as a bespoke tractor, unique fermentation vats, and a new gravity-driven cellar, all support Domaine des Lambrays’ pursuit of absolute, authentic terroir expression.

The estate is home to the eponymous Clos des Lambrays as well as two plots of the Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru and four plots of the Morey-Saint-Denis Village, all planted with Pinot Noir, crafting the following wines: Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, Morey-Saint-Denis Villages, and Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Les Loups. For white wines, Chardonnay is planted on two “ouvrées”, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Folatieres and Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Le Clos du Cailleret.

With today’s rich collection of 15 hectares (≈ 37 acres) of parcels, benefitting from modern techniques that are the most advanced and respectful of terroir and wines, the Domaine seeks to create wines that are pure, distinct and precise, constituting a true, spontaneous and integral expression of their terroirs and vintage.