Domaine Nicole Lamarche Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Cras 2021

Winery Background and History

Domaine Nicole Lamarche, formerly known as Domaine François Lamarche, is a family-owned estate located in Vosne-Romanée within Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. The domaine has been passed down through generations, with Nicole Lamarche taking sole responsibility in 2019. Under her leadership, the estate has continued to uphold its reputation for producing high-quality wines from some of the region’s most esteemed vineyards, including the monopole Grand Cru La Grande Rue. 

Producer and Winemaker

Nicole Lamarche leads the domaine, overseeing both vineyard management and winemaking. Her approach emphasizes organic farming practices and meticulous winemaking techniques to craft wines that authentically express their terroir. Since taking over, she has reduced the amount of new oak used in aging, aiming for a style that is fragrant, elegant, and refined. 

Vineyards and Microclimate

The Les Cras vineyard is a Premier Cru climat located in the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation of the Côte de Nuits. Known for its limestone-rich soils, Les Cras imparts a distinctive minerality to the wines produced from this site. The vineyard benefits from a continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters, providing ideal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Pinot Noir

Vinification & Aging Methods

Specific vinification and aging details for the 2021 vintage are not readily available. However, Domaine Nicole Lamarche typically employs traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques, including manual harvesting, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and aging in French oak barrels with a restrained use of new oak to maintain balance and highlight the purity of the fruit.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Specific ABV information for the 2021 vintage is not readily available; however, Burgundy Pinot Noirs typically range between 12.5% and 14%.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Cras exhibits an exuberantly spicy nose, offering a fresh combination of red and blue pinot fruit, complemented by floral aromas of violet and rose petal. On the palate, it presents good energy and minerality, delivering excellent depth and persistence on a moderately austere and chalky finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This expressive Pinot Noir pairs excellently with roasted meats, such as duck or lamb, and dishes featuring earthy mushrooms. Its depth and complexity complement these flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience. Aged cheeses, like Comté or Époisses, also make excellent companions, harmonizing with the wine’s nuanced profile.

Service Methods and Temperatures

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C (60°F to 64°F). Decanting for about an hour before serving can help open up its complex aromas and flavors, especially in its youth. Using large, Burgundy-style glasses will allow the wine to express its aromatic profile fully.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2021 Les Cras Premier Cru has significant aging potential. When stored in optimal conditions—cool temperatures around 12°C (54°F), consistent humidity, and away from direct light—the wine can develop additional complexity over the next 10 to 15 years, rewarding those with the patience to cellar it.

Scores

• Burghound: 91-93 points