This is a domaine on a mission. Previously called Domaine Robert Arnoux, this family-owned estate was founded in 1858. Today, it is run by Charles Lachaux, the sixth generation, alongside his mother Florence Arnoux-Lachaux.
There are 14.5 hectares of vines here, all Pinot Noir, spread over six villages and 15 terroirs. These comprise four grands crus, five premiers crus, five villages and a regional wine, the ‘Pinot Fin’.
Charles, Florence’s eldest son and a man of apparently limitless energy, joined the domaine in October 2011, taking over in 2015. Since then, he has shaken things up, overhauling the vineyards and introducing the long arching vine canes used by his neighbours Jean-Yves Bizot and Lalou Bize-Leroy, who has become something of a mentor to Charles. 100% whole cluster fermentation is used, with ageing in mostly old oak barrels.
We were appointed exclusive UK agents in the 2016 vintage. Charles and Florence have recently decided to release future vintages only once bottled, meaning that the domaine's next release, of the 2020 vintage, will be next year, 2023.
In the 2018 vintage, Charles started a négociant project, called simply Charles Lachaux. We are thrilled to be the exclusive UK agent. The 2020s will be released in Spring 2022.
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This is a domaine on a mission. Previously called Domaine Robert Arnoux, this family-owned estate was founded in 1858. Today, it is run by Charles Lachaux, the sixth generation, alongside his mother Florence Arnoux-Lachaux.
There are 14.5 hectares of vines here, all Pinot Noir, spread over six villages and 15 terroirs. These comprise four grands crus, five premiers crus, five villages and a regional wine, the ‘Pinot Fin’.
Charles, Florence’s eldest son and a man of apparently limitless energy, joined the domaine in October 2011, taking over in 2015. Since then, he has shaken things up, overhauling the vineyards and introducing the long arching vine canes used by his neighbours Jean-Yves Bizot and Lalou Bize-Leroy, who has become something of a mentor to Charles. 100% whole cluster fermentation is used, with ageing in mostly old oak barrels.
We were appointed exclusive UK agents in the 2016 vintage, making the 2019s our fourth annual release. They will be released in due course.
In addition, Charles started a new négociant project last year, called Charles Lachaux. We released, as exclusive UK agents, the inaugural 2018 vintage 2 years ago and 2019 last year. The 2020s will be released in Spring 2022.
BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2019
This comes from five plots, just outside Pommard. Fresh red cherries and vanilla-cinnamon spice aromas. A joyously ripe palate of raspberry and strawberry fruit, succulent and crunchy, with a core of sweetness making for a sumptuously early drinking, approachable style. Lively and refreshing. 100% destemmed and vinified half in stainless steel, half in old oak barrels.
Corney & Barrow Score 16.5 - 17
Recommended drinking from 2021 – 2024
£[ ]/CASE OF BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
VOLNAY 2019
This wine comes from four plots, two purchased in 1995 and two in 2010, in the middle of the appellation: two in Les Lurets, one in Les Famines and another in Les Paux Bois. A delicate, pure berried nose of raspberry and roses, laced with winter spice. The palate is crisp and harmonious, with poised raspberry fruit and a rocky mineral aspect, with lingering blue-fruited perfume. 100% destemmed.
Corney & Barrow Score 16.5+
Recommended drinking from 2023 – 2027
£[ ]/CASE OF BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
POMMARD 1ER CRU LES ARVELETS 2019
Les Arvelets is a 0.5 hectare south-facing sloping vineyard beside the domaine’s cuverie, whose red clay soils give high ripeness levels. Blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose, with nice undergrowthy aromas. The palate is pure-fruited, with blackberry and raspberry flavours delivering an impressive clarity of expression. Perfectly weighted, rich but with a sense of lightness, the fruit held in place by fine supporting tannins.
Corney & Barrow Score 17+
Recommended drinking from 2025 – 2030
£[ ]/CASE OF BOTTLES, IN BOND UK