Description
“A domaine that continues to make great strides under the current generation.” The World of Fine Wine, Issue 47
“Lamarche is now a top domaine, with wines which express themselves through their subtlety rather than their power. Since 1999, and more especially since 2005, the quality has been top-notch. This is now a three star domaine.” Clive Coates MW, My Favourite Burgundies
Domaine François Lamarche are sole owners of La Grande Rue, one of the four grand cru monopoles of Vosne-Romanée (La Tâche, La Romanée and La Romanée Conti are the others). In this day and age, great Burgundy Domaines such as this are a rare find – even more exceptional because the vineyard holdings here are almost entirely made up of Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels in Vosne/Echézeaux. Under the current generation – Nicole and Nathalie Lamarche – quality at this Domaine has skyrocketed and this is now one of the very finest sources of fragrant, supple and richly-fruited Vosne.
It’s safe to say Nicole Lamarche isn’t really concerned about ruffling a few feathers. In the ultra-conservative village of Vosne-Romanée Lamarche’s sense of fashion already has her standing out, and she also isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Perhaps this individuality is one reason Nicole Lamarche has been able to so rapidly lead her family’s Domaine back up the quality hierarchy.
This Domaine has made huge strides over the last decade largely in thanks to the hard work and passion of Nicole Lamarche. Today the quality is where you would expect it to be for a producer with such a brilliant collection of vineyards — outstanding. And it’s only heading north. In fact, the brilliant 2017s are the finest wines we have tasted from the Domaine so far. They are wonderfully perfumed, pure, intense wines that are big on finesse—something that Nicole Lamarche values extremely highly. They will drink well young (a feature of many top 2017s) but equally, they have the stuffing to age. In fact, they have more stuffing and (admittedly very fine) tannins than we’ve seen before. The top wines will live for decades.
Harvest was between the 7th and 14th September, so very classic, and yields were, on average 40hl/ha (also very classic). The dry conditions meant no disease pressure and the fruit came into the cellars in terrific condition—we were in Burgundy for this harvest and saw this ourselves. Thirty per cent whole-bunch was used for all cuvées, bringing pretty florals and tannins. The wines are very, very exciting and signal the continued revival of this storied grower.
The Lamarche Echézeaux comes from three lieux-dits: Les Cruots ou Vignes, Blanches Clos-Saint-Denis, and Les Champs Traversins. Altogether these parcels make up about 1.32 hectares and the vines are on average about 30-years-old. Nicole Lamarche works with very low yields here, which, alongside the Domaine’s delicate extraction, results in a supremely elegant expression of this terroir.
This is another sensual, fine-boned yet tightly wound Echézeaux from Lamarche—fabulous perfume and detail along with loads of juicy raspberry, blueberry and spices and, ample yet very fine structure. There’s more breadth and tannin here than in Les Chaumes—as one might expect—yet the same sense of energy and floral prettiness. Despite the finesse, it has the depth and structure to age decades. In the context of today’s Grand Cru Burgundy pricing, this wine, (and the Clos de Vougeot) are clearly bargains!
“Some depth of red colour here. Quite a stylish nose, full of intricate detail. More red fruit lurking beneath a superficial floral veneer. Impressive density on the palate, fresh acidity, some citrus notes along with the raspberry, just ripe enough, typically Lamarchian elegance and certainly fair persistence. A few toasty charred wood notes right at the back.” 93-95 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
“An exuberantly spicy nose reflects aromas of exotic tea, sandalwood, red and dark currant plus a pretty array of floral elements. The supple and round flavors possess both good volume and richness though not nearly the same minerality on the succulent yet still entirely serious finish that coats the palate with sappy dry extract. This is a quality Ech though at least some patience is required.” 91-93 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound, Issue 73
“The pretty bouquet of vivacious red fruit, infused with touches of crushed violet, is not powerful or multifaceted compared to the previous two vintages. The palate is very well balanced with seamlessly integrated new oak, fleshy on the midpalate, and displays gentle but insistent grip toward the finish. I admire the gradual build in this Echézeaux, which should drink perfectly well after four or five years. Very fine.” 91-93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous
Our Price $499.99 **EXTREMELY LIMITED**
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