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Tasting the 2018s at Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux

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Charles Lachaux is taking some giant leaps for, if not mankind, then at least for the hedonistic pleasure of yours truly and other connoisseurs.

His 2018 wines are another clear step towards the very top echelon of Burgundy and Vosne-Romanee. They are airy, energetic, and vivid, with tremendous joie de vivre – true vins d’émotion.

And Charles is only beginning, and claims that his 2019s are even better. Somehow one is not surprised.

The 2018s at Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux

This was my fourth visit to Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, and what can I say: It was a stunning tasting that confirms the constant improvement at this estate.

At my last visit, Charles Lachaux gave a status report during the tasting and explained the changes that have been made over the past five years.

Furthermore, work with biodynamic viticulture is in progress, and could show the way to even further improvements in the vineyards. This is definitely an estate to follow, and one to cheer.

For all the wines, 100% whole-cluster vinification is now practiced – so this transformation is fully in place. This change was noticeable particularly in the lesser wines, as they were not previously fully whole cluster, as were some of the wines at the top end of the portfolio.

Airy and energetic 2018s

The 2018s may be from a bigger and more intense vintage, yet Charles Lachaux has succeeded where others have failed by producing intense yet light-footed wines.

His 2018s are energetic, with tremendous balance and mineral playfulness, and are clearly a further step upward and forward. They now have a fine organic feel … did someone say vins d’émotion?

Notes from the tasting on November 8th, 2019

Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2018


Starting out with the Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2018 – a very enjoyable generic wine from excellent plots below the road (D974) in Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanee and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The bouquet is forward and floral (now 100% whole cluster) offering a airy expression of red fruits and a good impression of minerality for this level. On the palate vivid and quite generous with a lovely mouth feel – a delightful Bourgogne rouge

(Drink from 2020) – Very Good (87 – 88p) – Tasted 08/11/2019

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Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Nuits-Saint-Georges 2018


The Nuits-Saint-Georges 2018 is a blend of several different vineyards – mainly from the northern side of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The bouquet offer rich and charming fruit – floral (using 100% whole cluster) – with a discrete NSG mineral character. On the palate lively and vivid – very charming – offering a airy, intense yet light footed fruit driven mid-palate with a fine organic feel. This is showing very well.

(Drink from 2027) – Very Good+ (89 – 91p) – Tasted 08/11/2019

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Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Chambolle-Musigny 2018

This Chambolle comes from vines to the south of the village – i.e. a relatively cool area – and translates into a vivid village. The bouquet is perfumed with floral and airy red fruit, with notes of red currant and pomegranate. On the palate vibrant, offering vivid mid-palate fruit and fresh acidity for the vintage. I think I prefer the Nuits-Saint-Georges … but either would do nicely! 👍

(Drink from 2027) – Very Good+ (89 – 90p) – Tasted 08/11/2019

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Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Vosne-Romanée 2018

Back to home turf, the Vosne-Romanée 2018 is a juicy and vibrant offering. This wine comes from Aux Communes, Aux Saules and Bussiere, and is a tremendous effort. The nose offers airy, perfumed red and dark berry fruit – raspberries and redcurrant – and is classically spiced with cinnamon and a hint of violets. On the palate, energetic with beautiful freshness – very light-footed for the vintage. Chapeau – vin d’émotion!

(Drink from 2027) – Fine+ (90 – 92p) – Tasted 08/11/2019

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Vins d’émotion – wines that offer joy and hedonistic thrills

The principle with vins d’emotion is that they bring you extraordinary joy and hedonistic thrills.  A wine can be great, and at the same time not quite be a vin d’emotion.

All wines that evoke these emotional responses deserve a recommendation, and I have therefore created four levels of emotion recommendation: from the true and rare vin d’émotion to wines with some emotional potential.

A true vin d’émotion – a Burgundy of passion

A truly hedonistic wine – lively and enjoyable

A vivacious wine for pure indulgance

Check the full rating system
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Read the original Vin d’émotion article here ..

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