Arnoux Lachaux Vosne Romanee Rouge 2016 Bibendum Wine Co

This famous Domaine has undergone some significant changes over the last few years. Firstly the name has changed from Domaine Robert Arnoux to Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux. This reflects the fact that the wines have been made by Pascal Lachaux for some 20 years now and that he and his wife Florence Arnoux (daughter of Robert Arnoux) have been running the Domaine since 1995. In addition, there are three Lachaux sons coming through, with the eldest, Charles, having completed his oenology studies as well as work experience in Oregon and South Africa. There have been other changes: a new winery and cellar upgrade appear to have had a major impact while the recent acquisition of a parcel of the Grand Cru Latricières Chambertin has further extended this producer’s outstanding holdings.

Although always good, the quality of this Domaine’s wines has soared in recent vintages. These are hedonistic, layered Burgundies with intense aromatics and plush tannins. They are classy wines that deliver in spades. The vineyards are located mainly in Vosne Romanee and the immediately surrounding communes. Lachaux utilises organic and biodynamic techniques, although he prefers not to pigeon hole the Domaine with such labels, claiming only that he uses whatever techniques help him to produce the best grapes and the best wines. There is 100% destemming, natural fermentation (no inoculation of yeasts), and no fining or filtration. Apart from a small plot of Aligoté all the wines are red.

The best known wines are the Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Les Suchots (which is a benchmark of the appellation and of grand cru quality) and the grand cru Romanée-Saint-Vivant. The parcel of this latter is right on the boundary of the appellation next to La Grand Rue while the Suchots is located at the very top of this vineyard; the part of the vineyard once known as ‘Hautes-Suchots “. The Nuits St Georges have a texture and class that is rare for this commune while the Vosne 1er cru Les Chaumes and Aux Reignots are wonderful things. In short all of the wines here are at the highest level and the notes speak for themselves.

– Importer Note