Jasper Morris MW
The statistics read: 36 hl/ha, 13.7% alcohol, 80% whole bunch and 50% new wood. Clean fresh purple with a wealth of succulent fruit, deep strawberry, heady raspberry a little chocolate dusting and of course the whole bunch effect with its spices. Acidity is up for the job but not evident much to taste - a tribute to the wealth of fruit. Just a faint note of salinity behind but does not in any way dominate. There is a little more fruit weight evident here than in recent years.
Tim Atkin MW
Clos des Lambrays is in something of a transitional phase right now, with the departure of one winemaker and the arrival of another, so it will be interesting to see how the style evolves. This is a classically firm, ageworthy expression of the terroir, marked by its 80% whole bunches, which give it a stemmy, peaty, almost Islay malt whisky-like note, a tannic backbone and layers of dark black cherry and damson fruit. (Drink between 2026-2036)
Wine Advocate - Neal Martin
The 2018 Clos des Lambrays is 80% whole bunch this year and aged in 50% new oak. Jacques Desvauges took the sample from two barrels in proportion with the wood. It has a floral bouquet with scents of wilted rose petals and incense, hints of cedar filtering through the red berry fruit. The stems are much better integrated than in the Les Loups. The elegant palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, peppery but harmonious and sustained, and plenty of energy toward the finish. This is the only vintage vinified by Boris Champy, and he did a fine job. (Drink between 2023-2042)
Domaine des Lambrays
