Domaine des Lambrays Morey Saint Denis Rouge 2019

There is a changing of the guard at this iconic domaine as long-time régisseur (resident manager) Thierry Brouin, who has held this post since 1980, ceded the position as of April 2018 to Boris Champy. Champy is originally from Champagne and has held positions working for several of the Moueix wineries in Bordeaux and California as well as that of looking after the vineyards of Maison Louis Latour since 2008. I asked Brouin what it felt like to have been part of multiple transitions during his time at Domaine des Lambrays (he has seen the domaine sold twice during his tenure) as well as seeing his time there finally come to an end. Brouin, who is rarely without a smile or a sense of humor, simply replied "all good things eventually come to an end. I am proud that I had the inestimable opportunity to help bring a domaine that was farcically called by the locals 'clos délabré' [clos dilapidated] and transform it to the jewel that it is now. It was a lot of work and not everything went smoothly but persistence and determination, as well as the financial means to make the necessary improvements, ultimately allowed this great vineyard to show its intrinsic qualities. I will miss being here but I have every confidence that Boris will look after my baby in the best way possible. - Burghound