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.
Lamarche has four Vosne-Romanée Premier Crus: La Croix Rameau, Aux Malconsorts, Les Suchots and this wine, which comes from half a hectare in Les Chaumes. Les Chaumes is located right under Aux Malconsorts and La Tâche and, at this address, produces extremely fine-boned, perfumed and sensual Vosne. Lamarche’s vines here are now between 30 and 40-years-old and, as for the other 2017s, this was fermented with 30% whole bunches.
This is an extremely floral, red rose and wild strawberry-noted wine with terrific finesse, energy and driven, mineral length. Just a lick of classy oak which will disappear with age. Great breed here.
“Fine even mid red colour, with a little more density of fruit than the village wine. Actually, rather beautiful on the palate, quite floral, cherry and raspberry notes, balanced, persistent, some tannins at the back. Really nicely harnessed fruit.” 91-93 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
“This is aromatically similar to the Vosne villages but with the addition of more oak and menthol influence. The sleek and nicely detailed flavors possess a bit more volume and density before concluding in a more structured and youthfully austere finale. In contrast to the prior wines, this is going to need a bit of patience and reward up to a decade’s worth.” 89-92 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound, Issue 73
“The 2017 Vosne-Romanée Les Chaumes 1er Cru has a tightly wound bouquet of crushed strawberry and touches of orange pith, nicely defined if not as vigorous as the 2016. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red cherry and raspberry preserve on the entry, a slight tingle of licked limestone toward the second half and an easygoing but quite persistent finish. Enjoy this over the next decade.” 89-91 points, Neal Martin, Vinous
Our Price $299.99 **EXTREMELY LIMITED**
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