The 2021 is our second and final allocation from Nicole Larmarche’s vines in Les Malconsorts. Indeed, there won’t be a Malconsorts under the Lamarche banner for the foreseeable future. This is because Nicole Lamarche’s cousin, Nathalie Lamarche, along with one other family member, has recently chosen to claim her inheritance and, in doing so, has sold her portion of the family vineyards (approximately 2.65 hectares, Malconsorts included). We’re late to the party, but at least we made it. The vines were planted in 1969.
Les Malconsorts sits above Les Charmes and next to La Tâche. Interestingly, this vineyard once sat in the shadows of its Vosne 1er Cru counterparts. Not so today. With Cathiard, Dujac, Lamarche and Montille leading the charge, Malconsorts is hot property. There can be few better endorsements than that of Jasper Morris MW, who writes in Inside Burgundy: “It’s an exceptional vineyard–one of my three favourite Premiers Crus along with Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses and Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St-Jacques.”
Lamarche’s vines were located at the southern end of the vineyard, covering half a hectare. There were two plots, one at the top and one at the bottom. The higher parcel has more stones in the soil, while the lower parcel has more clay and delivers more stuffing. In most years, the grapes are harvested at the same time. Only three barrels were made this year.
“The 2021 will be the final Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts 1er Cru from Lamarche after the division of the Domaine. Now, this has more punch on the nose compared to the Suchots and Chaumes that precede it. A light tertiary note percolates through the red fruit. The palate is harmonious on the entry with well judged acidity, very pure and ethereal in style, a hint of spice with more persistence on the finish. A delicate but admirable wine.” 91-93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous