The French group LVMH, owners of Moët, Henessy and Louis Vuitton, directed by Bernard Arnault, has recently announced the acquisition of the Clos des Lambrays, a 21 acre Burgundy domain situated in the Côte-de-Nuits, at Morey-Saint-Denis.
After Bordeaux and Champagne, the Burgundy region has fallen under the lustful eyes of large industrial firm leaders. In the last few years buying a prestigious vineyard has become a fashionable phenomenon; one might add a profitable fashion phenomenon! It can be compared to investing in a great masters painting. The world has entered into a brawl for the few thousands of bottles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Grand crus from Burgundy.
Furthermore with its average production of 35000 bottles annually, the Clos des Lambrays assembles the most prestigious labels of the Côtes d’Or, such as le Clos Saint Denis, Le Clos de la Roche, Le Clos de Tart and the Bonnes Mares as far as the Pinot Noir is concerned. Regarding the Chardonnay we find the Puligny Montrachet and its premier crus Clos du Cailleret and the Folatières, these being the most reputed labels in the world.
The domain is believed to have been put up for sale in 2010 by the German Freund family, owners since 1996, after the passage of several pretenders, the domain is finally sold to LVMH, a solid warrant for continuity and excellence! And hearsay it might have been sold for a paltry 100 million Euros. Well yes everything has a price! With the acquisition of the Clos des Lambrays, Bernard Arnault can be proud, having added to his successes this great challenge!
