Domaine des Lambrays
650 years of history
The Clos des Lambrays is first mentioned in 1365 in the records of the Cîteaux Abbey, then spelled “Cloux des Lambrey”. After being divided into 74 different parcels, the estate was reunited in the 19th century. At the same time, it enjoyed a golden age, greatly contributing to its international renown. However, after 1938, the estate fell on hard times, during which it even acquired the nickname “the dilapidated vineyard”, a name that reflected the poor condition of the vines.
It was only when it was sold to the Saier brothers in 1979 that the estate experienced a real turning point. A year later, the oenologistThierry BrouinHe joined the team. He began replanting and restructuring the vineyard, which had been abandoned for 40 years. In 1981, the estate obtained the title ofGrand Cruwhich it would have obtained earlier had its former owners not feared tax consequences if they had accepted it. Owned by the Freund family since 1996, the estate continued to reach new heights year after year. Upon her husband's death in 2010, Ruth Freund, then 70 years old, put it up for sale, seeking owners capable of guaranteeing continued excellence.
The LVMH group
growing renown
The luxury group LVMH, headed by Bernard Arnault, was chosen from among the candidates to acquire it. This world leader in champagne also owns the famousChâteau d'Yquem and Cheval BlancThe estate has steadily gained in renown, particularly over the last ten years, with time working in favor of the quality of its wines. In 2019, LVMH appointed a new managing director.Jacques DevaugesPreviously at Clos de Tart, another Grand Cru in Morey-Saint-Denis, this talented oenologist foreshadows great developments at the estate.
The estate produces an average of 35,000 bottles per year, with significant variations depending on the vintage. For example, 15,000 bottles were produced in 2012, while three times that amount was produced in 1999. Today, demand is high, and only 40% of the production is destined for France, with the remainder distributed among 38 countries.
Morey Saint-Denis
a very distinctive vintage
THEDomaine des LambraysThe estate cultivates its vineyard using sustainable farming practices. Its soils are predominantly limestone and clay-limestone. The average age of the vines is 60 years, with some of its still-productive vines reaching 90 years old. Low yields are practiced, harvested by hand, and the wine is aged for 18 months in 50% new oak barrels. Jacques Devauges, as estate manager, skillfully ensures the continuity of the estate's wine style.
Belonging almost entirely to the Domaine des Lambrays, Clos des Lambrays is one of the five Grands Crus of the Morey-Saint-Denis commune, and its wine is probably the most distinctive. It is full-bodied, concentrated, and elegant. Its aging potential often exceeds twenty years. Besides Clos des Lambrays, the red wines are theMorey Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Loupsand theMorey Saint-DenisThe estate also dedicates 0.66 hectares of the vineyard to white wines. It thus produces two Premier Cru wines in the Puligny-Montrachet appellation: Clos du Cailleret and Les Folatières.
