At a glance

Producer

Domaine des Lambrays

Region

Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$350-$600 USD (2024 retail, depending on market; auction values can exceed this)

Tasting profile

Fresh, energetic aromas of wild raspberry, cherry, rose petal, violet, forest floor, light oak spice, and subtle minerality. Palate is vibrant, precise, with tight structure, refined tannins, and a long mineral finish.

Evolution: Over time, expect red fruit to merge with truffle, underbrush, dried flowers, and savory spice. Texture becomes silkier, complexity increases, fruit core softens but persists.

At peak: At peak, combines haunting perfume with graceful depth, multidimensional earth, spice, and sous bois (undergrowth) character; palate is seamless, long, and refined.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus (classic Burgundian freshness)

Tannins

Medium to high; fine-grained, well-integrated

Alcohol

13% ABV (typical for the vintage and domaine)

Aging potential

25-35 years from vintage (up to 2041-2051 in best storage conditions for great bottles)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2031

Optimal window

2026 to 2031

Current status

Entering prime; suitable for enjoyment now but will improve further

Current condition

Showing developing tertiary notes, combining primary fruit with earthy, floral, and spice character. Structure still present for extended aging.

2016 is a concentrated, classic vintage with aging potential boosted by low yields and high quality. Domaine des Lambrays is a benchmark producer for Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru. Top bottles will improve for up to 30-35 years, with the most pristine examples in ideal storage possibly lasting longer. The optimal drinking window is broad, starting as early as 2026 for developed complexity, and extending into the late 2030s and beyond, but the wine is already enjoyable for those preferring youthful fruit.

Food pairing

Traditional pairings include roast duck with cherry or berry sauce, game birds (pheasant, guinea fowl), herb-crusted lamb, mushroom risotto, veal in light jus, or mature soft cheeses (Époisses, Chaource). Seek delicate, earth-driven dishes that echo Burgundian terroir.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Young Grand Cru Burgundy benefits from decanting to open aromatics and soften initial tannins. For mature bottles (2030+), decant only briefly to avoid oxidation.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Vineyards are managed using sustainable and organic principles, including no herbicides or insecticides, horse plowing to reduce soil compaction, manual harvest, composting, natural cover crops, and biodiversity promotion within the vineyard. Careful vineyard and energy management, minimal-impact treatments, and reduced pesticide usage.

Domaine des Lambrays is transitioning toward organic and sustainable farming. For the 2016 vintage, vineyards were under organic management, but formal certification had not yet been achieved. The domaine engages in integrated pest management, native vegetation, minimal chemicals, and environmentally friendly practices in both vineyard and winery. Packaging uses standard Burgundian bottles and traditional corks. Overall, sustainability is above Burgundy's average, but not at the level of fully certified organic/biodynamic producers. Carbon footprint is lowered by estate production but raised by international shipping.