Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays 2018

Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 2018
Deeply coloured. Perfumed and dark and rocky on the nose. A hint of pepper but the most elegant, restrained dark-red fruit. Just a touch of oak spice. Savoury spice not sweet spice. Incredibly tender tannins. They did three punchdowns a day but did not push down to the bottom of the tank. There’s power in the mid palate but it is delicate on the finish, such tannic finesse that you almost miss the power of the vintage. Darkness to the fruit shows the ripeness. Very very long and so elegant already. Oak eaten by the fruit. A definite mineral/pepper layer adds to the freshness. Mouth-watering even if the acidity is only moderate (pH 3.65). Well balanced at 13.7%. (JH) 18/20 - Jancis Robinson

A slightly riper mix reflects notes of black cherry, cassis plum and plenty of spice and floral nuances, especially violet. On the palate there is good freshness and vivacity as the succulent and rounded middle weight plus flavors also possess a beguiling texture before culminating in a powerful, sappy, firm and somewhat raspy finish. Compared to the 2019 version, the tannins are not as fine nor is the balance quite as well dialed in but even so, there is still plenty of admire. 93 Points - Allen Meadows, BURGHOUND

The 2018 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is showing very well, exhibiting notes of cassis, ripe wild berries, dark chocolate, black truffles, grilled squab and rich soil tones. On the palate, it's full-bodied, multidimensional and elegant, with refined structuring tannins, lively acids and good concentration. This is a deep and complete Clos des Lambrays that was vinified with 80% whole cluster and matured in 50% new oak. At 13.6% alcohol, it's very nicely balanced and seems set to rank as the finest rendition of this quasi-monopole since at least 2015. (93-95) Points - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate