2020 - Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

The 2020 Richebourg Grand Cru is one of my favorite wine in this range, and I say that notwithstanding the fact that Richebourg is rarely a wine I truly adore, at DRC or anywhere else. Dark and somber, the 2020 is packed with blue/black fruits, mocha, lavender and graphite. The typically burly Richebourg tannins are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Purists might say the 2020 is not a typical Richebourg. I would agree with that, in a very positive sense. Statuesque and regal in bearing, with tons of elegance, the 2020 is utterly captivating from the first taste.

The 2020 Richebourg Grand Cru is wilder on the nose, revealing aromas of rich exotic spices, wild berries, cassis, coniferous forest floor, smoked meats and a discreet touch of sweet saddle leather, followed by a full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping palate that's rich and layered, with huge levels of concentration and ripe structuring tannins, concluding with a long, violet-inflected finish.

Deep blackish crimson. Light nose of blackberry compote. And this is surprisingly fleet of foot – somehow less sturdy and more ethereal than the Romanée-St-Vivant. Really lifted and fresh. Very much 21st century in style! Transparent and transporting. Savoury and somehow a health drink the way some DRC wines present themselves. Super! (JR)