Arnoux-Lachaux has become one of Burgundy's most exciting domaines under the leadership of Charles Lachaux.
Thoughtful, open, and totally immersed in his craft, the 30-something Lachaux is an obsessive wine lover who fell under the spell of Lalou Bize-Leroy's idiosyncratic crus.
By combining Lalou's winemaking philosophy with his own radical ideas, Charles has introduced several fundamental, and sometimes controversial, changes to his family's 14ha of prime vineyards (including parcels in Grand Crus Echézeaux and Romanée-Saint-Vivant), with the aim of growing more harmonious fruit.
These changes include replacing the conventional method of 'hedging' with tressage; no longer ploughing or cutting grass in the vineyards to boost biodiversity; radically reducing yields; and experimenting with trellising, minimal amounts of naturally made sulphur, and ceramic tanks instead of oak barrels.
Lachaux's dedication to his craft has resulted in spectacular results: dramatic and sensual are fitting descriptions for the domaine's sublime Pinot Noirs, for which demand has risen exponentially.
