Why it matters
The producer
In 1973, René and Thérèse Lamy created Domaine Lamy-Pillot in Chassagne-Montrachet. René had been working for the Duc de Magenta while developing his own domaine alongside that job, then left the Duc to concentrate entirely on his estate.
Their daughters Florence and Karine lead the second generation, with Florence since 1997 and Karine since 2004. Farming is mostly organic, with exceptions around flowering. The red wines are solid, hefty Pinot Noirs that need considerable time to mature.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Domaine Lamy-Pillot is based in Chassagne-Montrachet, with wines from several Burgundy appellations. The range includes Saint-Aubin and Morgeot alongside the home village.
Saint-Aubin Les Argilliers comes from a south-facing vineyard of light, well-drained calcareous marl. Direct sun provides warmth, while quick drainage prevents water from lingering around the roots. The site is planted to Pinot Noir. The 2020 Morgeot shows black and red fruit, forest floor, and spice, with a well-formed palate.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range includes both red and white wines. The reds are solid, hefty Pinot Noirs that need considerable time to mature. Saint-Aubin Les Argilliers is made from Pinot Noir, aged for 12 months in oak barrels, and has a stated ageing potential of 5 to 12 years.
The white wines include Le Montrachet, held through a sharecropping agreement with owner Claudine Petitjean. Sharecropping separates the domaine's holding from ownership of the parcel, which remains with Petitjean.