2021 Nicole Lamarche Grand Cru Monopole La Grande Rue

The 2021 Nicole Lamarche La Grande Rue Grand Cru Monopole comes from one of Burgundy’s most exclusive vineyards, a tiny 1.65-hectare monopole in the heart of Vosne-Romanée. Situated between La Tâche and Romanée-Conti, La Grande Rue is the jewel of the Lamarche estate and is renowned for producing wines that emphasise finesse, perfume and elegance over sheer power. Under Nicole Lamarche’s stewardship, the vineyard continues to express one of the Côte de Nuits’ most privileged terroirs with remarkable purity.

The 2021 vintage is beautifully refined, offering aromas of red cherry, rose petal, blood orange, tea leaf and subtle spice. The palate is silky and precise, with vibrant acidity, fine tannins and layers of red fruit, floral notes and mineral complexity. A cooler growing season has produced a wine of exceptional elegance and transparency, with impressive persistence and ageing potential. Neal Martin rated the wine 90–92 points, while Jasper Morris MW awarded 93–95 points and Christy Canterbury MW scored it 96 points.

Ben’s Recommendation:
A beautifully poised Grand Cru that showcases the graceful, aromatic side of Vosne-Romanée. Complex, elegant and exceptionally long, it pairs superbly with duck, pigeon, roast quail, truffle dishes and fine game cuisine. While approachable with extended decanting, this is a wine built for the cellar and should reward patience through 2045 and beyond.