2013 - Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru Marey-Monge, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

The 2013 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru is still quite young, but it is drinking very nicely. Floral and lifted, with mid-weight, translucent structure, the 2013 expresses all of the understated finesse that is such a signature of this Grand Cru. Tea leaves, mint, dried flowers, cedar and blood orange weave through a core of red-toned fruit. Firm yet polished tannins extend the clean, bracing finish. Tasted next to the 2014, the 2013 is more aromatic and delicate in feel.

The 2013 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru was picked on the afternoon of October 10 and then the following day, cropped at 17.5 hectoliters per hectare. The bouquet is adorable, so pure and comely, with shimmering red cherries, raspberry and orange blossom, a suggestion of cold flint imparting an enigmatic element—a Romanée-Saint-Vivant that is clearly going to bide its time. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, impressive weight and almost a surfeit of freshness. There is tension from start to finish that effortlessly disguises the weight, the penetration on the sustained finish. What a wonderful wine from the domaine. Production is 847 cases. Tasted February 2016.

Transparent crimson. Very fragrant, showing the meatier side of red burgundy, hinting at possible gaminess to come. Fresh, crunchy redcurrant fruit in abundance. Great health and confidence. A bit more than medium weight with quite a charge of tannins. Great line. And persistence again. (JR)