Domaine des Lambrays

Domaine de Lambrays is one of Burgundy’s oldest, dating back to the 14th century when it belonged to the Abbey Citeaux, and monks tended the vines. After the French Revolution, however, the vineyard was confiscated and sold to 75 different owners. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the estate was pieced back together again, by a stream of owners who, despite their efforts in reconstituting the property, left it largely abandoned. It was then bought by the Sair brothers in 1979, and with the help of winemaker Thierry Brouin the team began modernising and replanting. In 1981, the domaine was granted Grand Cru status.

The domaine encompasses the entirety of Clos des Lambrays, bar 0.18 hectares belonging to neighbour Domaine Taupenot Merme, making it a virtual monopole vineyard – although the company also owns vines in Morey, Puligny Montrachet, les Folatieres and Clos du Cailleret. Winemaker Thierry Brouin has been in charge since 1979. The vineyards are run on more or less organic lines, with no chemical anti-rot sprays, and ploughing of the soil by horse. In the cellar, he likes to use the majority of the stems, favours punching down over pumping over, and prefers to restrain the amount of new oak – around 50% for the grand cru. The produce of young vines is downgraded to Morey St Denis 1er cru where it joins the fruit of tiny holdings of La Riotte and Le Village. The village Morey comes from La Riotte, Clos Solon, Les Larreys and especially La Bidaude which lies just above the Clos des Lambrays. Domaine des Lambrays produces wines which possess balance, power and finesse and which fully live up to their Grand Cru status.


In 2014, luxury goods group LVMH bought the Clos des Lambrays for an undisclosed sum (rumoured to be in the region of £80m), adding to their portfolio of vineyards and wineries, and making their first step in Burgundian wine. Brouin, winemaker since 1979, remains at the helm of operations today.