Nicole Lamarche 's Nuits-Saint-Georges is a particularly accomplished vision of a village cru, on the emblematic hillsides of the Côte de Nuits. Made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, this wine comes from plots located on clay-limestone soils typical of Nuits Saint Georges, known for producing structured, deep wines. At Domaine Lamarche, the vines are cultivated with particular attention paid to vegetative balance and yield control. The grapes are harvested by hand and then vinified with their own indigenous yeasts to ensure that the terroir is precise and easy to understand. Ageing in wood, for 16 to 18 months for this cuvée, accompanies the material without dominating it, allowing the wine to retain its identity and immediate frankness.
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Nicole Lamarche 's Nuits-Saint-Georges is a luminous gateway into the world of this great Côte de Nuits winemaker, and goes far beyond the stature of a simple cru communal to attain, over time, a depth and balance worthy of a Premier Cru. In this vintage, the cuvée perfectly illustrates Domaine Nicole Lamarche's approach to balance and finesse. Its ability to evolve harmoniously in the cellar makes it a bottle to be considered for ageing.
The nose reveals a concentrated expression of ripe red fruit, from raspberry to burlat cherry, enhanced by delicate floral fragrances of violet and rose. On aeration, the bouquet gains in depth and complexity, with hints of stewed black fruit and a hint of licorice.
From the outset, the palate is supple and well-balanced, carried by a full body whose silky texture voluptuously envelops the palate. The freshness, typical of the Domaine Lamarche style, balances the richness of the fruit and structures the wine with precision. Perfectly integrated, ripe tannins give the wine the foundation of a 1er Cru, and accompany a persistence marked by spices and licorice. The climactic finish marks a great Nuits Saint Georges, ready to enjoy but also ideal for cellaring for ten years or so.