Lamarche

The domaine has been evolving with the arrival of the new generation of cousins: Nicole takin over winemaking from Francois Lamarche, and Nathalie aiding her aunt Mari-Blance with marketing. Francois is the grandson of the original Henri Lamarche and son of the second Henri Lamarche who received the La Grande Rue as a wedding present.

As well as more meticulous work in the vineyards, better barrel selection and a new cuverie (since 2000) have combined to make this a more consistent domaine. I have had spectacular bottles from Lamarche, but there have certainly been some failures too. Perhaps the new generation will confirm a regular place for Domaine Lamarche at the top table. JASPER MORRIS

It has been more than a little exciting to watch the rise and rise of this, justifiably, much maligned estate. For many years the domaine released what can only be called average at best wines however there is new blood in the estate who seem to finally realise what they have and are doing everything possible to bring Lamarche to the fore. One of the most important climats in Vosne, La Grande Rue (which is nestled between the other three great sites, Romanee Conti, La Romanee and La Tache) is owned exclusively by Lamarche and has, until recently, been the most tragic underperformer in Burgundy (perhaps anywhere in the wine world) and now with the new lease on life given to this wonderful piece of land we have begun to see the potential majesty of the lieu-dit shine. Perhaps most exciting of all is that they remain, comparatively reasonably priced. It is also worth hunting down their other wines which have also come along in leaps and bounds over the last five or so releases. ROSCOE