2009 - Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru, Alain Hudelot-Noellat

The 2009 Romanee St. Vivant is one of the most texturally beautiful, brilliant wines in the lineup. A solid core of fruit lies at the center of the wine, with gorgeous, expressive aromatics that add complexity and nuance throughout. It shows notable length and a sensual, captivating finish that is all class. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034. I tasted the following wines with Charles Van Canneyt, Alain Hudelot’s grandson. Van Canneyt showed me a few 2008s before moving into the 2009s. The estate did some chaptalization in 2008. Based on the selection of wines I tasted, that may have robbed some of the 2008s of their vintage character. Vintage 2009 seems to have played more to the estate’s strengths. The estate used 50% new oak for the Grand Crus and 30% for the 1ers. Importer: Atherton Imports, Menlo Park, CA; tel. (650) 328-6639

Really rather majestic on the nose. Perfume and polish. Very racy and noble. I feel lucky to taste this. Very well done! Great depths and energy. Long and while very ripe it is not simply sweet. Great vivacity and intensity. Yet with burgundy’s delicacy too. So long. Bravissimo! (JR)