Grapelive Wine of the Day

By Kerry Winslow

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1996 Domaine Des Lambrays “Clos Des Lambrays” Grand Cru Red Burgundy, France.
Thinking that some people have this gem in their cellars makes me very jealous indeed, it is an often overlooked wine and one that can really blow some minds, like this fantastic vintage. I am green with envy after seeing a whole unopened case of this wine come out of a acquaintances wine storage thinking I would love to try that, then lo-and-behold he offers to open a bottle to see how it was tasting and presto I’m lifted to the sky in a heavenly Burgundy induced dream! This is why we drink wine, to have these moments and this 1996 Clos Des Lambrays is everything you could hope or ask for with pure Grand Cru character and charm. This silky Pinot has length, minerallity, earthiness and racy sex appeal with a touch of game and truffle on the nose, very old school Burg, and rose petals, violets and cherry fruit coming through on the palate. The complexities change with every sip, re-seducing you and tempting you back again and again. There is a hay and woody note that comes and goes, as well as a balsamic and baked strawberry side that fades in and out too. The color is what it should be at this stage with a slight amber edge to the garnet middle, but still there is plenty of life to come, even if I would suggest opening some now if you have them, as it is beautiful and textured right now, a very good point, close to peaking I think. Then there is essences of Asian spice, animal and tangy plum fruit that add to the mix making for a very intriguing wine that delivers on goods, highlighting a sublime vintage and a unique terroir. I’m very grateful to a very generous person that allowed me to sample such a treat, somedays just are a bit more rewarding than others and for that I give thanks. The Clos des Lambrays is one of the rare Monopole Grand Cru vineyards and is worth searching out as it is a real bargain compared to other Grand Crus!
($129 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive

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