The 2023 Nicole Lamarche Grand Cru La Grande Rue Monopole Cuvée 1959 is an exceptionally rare Pinot Noir from a tiny historic parcel within La Grande Rue, one of Vosne-Romanée’s most prestigious Grand Cru vineyards. The parcel was acquired by the Lamarche family in the 1959 exchange with Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and contains vines that have remained planted since before the exchange. Only around two barrels are produced in a good vintage, making this one of the domaine’s most limited and collectible wines.
On the palate, it is powerful yet remarkably refined, with vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins and layers of wild strawberry, red cherry and dark berry. Violet, dried flowers, sweet spice, mineral and subtle forest-floor notes add complexity, while the wine’s higher whole-bunch component gives it additional aromatic lift, savoury detail and structural tension. Fermentation in stainless-steel tanks and maturation in a specially selected Châtillonnais oak barrel allow the fruit and exceptional vineyard character to remain at the forefront. The finish is exceptionally long, dry and persistent, with lingering red fruit, spice, mineral and savoury notes.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an extraordinary choice for serious Burgundy collectors seeking one of the rarest expressions of La Grande Rue. The 2023 vintage is still extremely youthful, with the concentration, acidity and tannic structure to develop remarkable floral, truffle, forest-floor and savoury complexity over decades. Best enjoyed from around 2032–2050+, with careful decanting when young. Pair with roast squab, venison with juniper, duck with wild mushrooms, beef fillet with truffle jus, or an exceptional truffle and porcini dish.
