Lamarche Grand Cru La Grande Rue 2020
The 1.65-hectare La Grande Rue vineyard dates back to the 15th century and takes its name from the minor road bordering the vineyard as it climbs above the town. After La Romanée, La Grande Rue is the smallest of the Vosne Grands Crus. To say La Grande Rue is enviably situated is an understatement. It directly borders La Tâche to the south (it is the continuation of this vineyard) and La Romanée-Conti, La Romanée and Romanée-Saint-Vivant to the north (across a small road). The site first came into Lamarche’s hands in 1933, and it has been a monopole for this family ever since.
The style of wine can be thought of as a prettier, more delicate version of La Tâche, but we think it actually comes closer to its northern neighbours in style, as Clive Coates MW suggests: “La Grande Rue, in my view, is a more feminine wine than La Tâche. It is closer to Romanée-Saint-Vivant.” As always, comparisons are problematic—La Grande Rue has its own personality! But it is also clearly a wine of great class. When you taste it next to the same producer’s Echézeaux, Grands Echézeaux and Clos de Vougeot (which are themselves superb examples of their respective Grand Cru vineyards), the sheer class and depth of La Grande Rue is self-evident. The 2020 is a stunner; loads of spice and rose florals on the nose and an incredibly fine yet sumptuous palate. The finish is so long and balanced, yet there is also terrific depth and length. A great La Grande Rue, no doubt about it.
“Medium deep crimson purple. The nose starts discreetly and then starts to show its paces. Then the elegance, hard to specify the individual notes. Slightly more floral, while those characteristic little orange blossom notes appear only on the palate adding a slight youthful bitterness. The length and the texture are impeccable. A mix of roses and the lightest of red fruits. Poised and balanced, the wine which Nicole wants to make.” 95-97 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
“What a nose! Smaller in volume after the Clos de Vougeot but much more complex, faintly spiced, aniseed too, an impression of whole cluster perfume in this mix. Hmm – now that’s interesting – this also has a structural side and it’s more overt than that of the Clos de Vougeot – very wide – fabulously textured – a micro-grain of ripe tannin – not a hint of dryness framing this wine. Small waves of finishing flavour here that highlight the way. That will be a great bottle, just give it as long as you can. The last drops in the glass are growing and filling the glass even more.” Bill Nanson, The Burgundy Report
“Despite Nicole’s extremely delicate style, it’s always impressive how the 50% new oak blends so well into this wine. Strawberry hulls, raspberries and watermelon play delicately on the nose. The palate fruits are nicely ripe here. The tannins are denser than in the other wines, yet they remain reserved and suave. This is one of the rare, single-owner Grand Crus, with 1 hectare 65 ares.” 95 points, Christy Canterbury MW, Tim Atkin Special Report