2017 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg [JM96-98][D96][BH95][V95][WA95][WS95]

Producer: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 
Region: Vosne-Romanee, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France 
Varietal: Pinot Noir 
Year: 2017   

Jasper Morris, 96-98 Points

"Even, bright, rich purple. This wine has much more weight of fruit than the Romanée St-Vivant, lovely svelte rich fruit with a bit of dark lifted whole bunch fruit. Sumptuous on the palate yet still light on its feet, with a gorgeous gracious finish. Tasted from a second barrel the Richebourg came over as a touch more robust, less evidently gracious, yet still with the same absolutely compelling persistence." 

Decanter, 96 Points 

"With its extravagantly aromatic perfume, the Richebourg is reminiscent of an exotic Asian tea with notes of bergamot, anise and lavender-scented pomegranates. Initially, the texture is firm and somewhat restrained, but the palate shows more richness and density. As Aubert noted, it is a wine that 'likes to be seen and is not shy at all'. This classic Richebourg is produced from several parcels that total over 3.5ha, including the portion that borders Romanée-Conti and La Romanée to the north. Superb!" 

Burghound, 95 Points 

"A discreet application of wood frames the even more complex and spicier nose of relatively high-toned, cool and airy aromas of red berries, violet, rose petal, orange pekoe tea and a hint of leather. The sleek, intense and sophisticated middle weight plus flavors brim with both minerality and dry extract that buffers the slightly firmer tannic spine shaping the hugely long, powerful and beautifully harmonious finale. It would be fair to observe that this isn't the most concentrated Richebourg the Domaine has ever produced but it is one that should age effortlessly on its balance. In sum, this is a highly refined and elegant Riche with a positively gorgeous mouthfeel." 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"The 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru is a Burgundy of Cistercian austerity. Searing tannins give the Richebourg its trademark sense of energy and vibrancy. White pepper, mint, dried flowers and bright red berry fruit are all beautifully delineated, with underlying beams of minerality and salinity that lend dimension. Richebourg is very rarely finessed, but is more typically a wine of brawn and pure power, as it is here. A range of bright, floral/savory accents suggest a bit more elegance may lie ahead. We will see. My colleagues appreciate the Richebourg more than I do. Harvest began the afternoon of September 8, after Romanée-Conti. Rain on the 9th caused a break in picking for the day. The last of the Richebourg came in on the 10th." 

Wine Advocate, 95 Points 

"The 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru offers up generous aromas of ripe strawberries, raspberries, cinnamon and coniferous forest floor, framed by a lavish application of creamy new oak that's less immediately integrated than in the Domaine's other wines at this early stage. On the palate, the Richebourg is full-bodied, rich and multidimensional, with a lavishly enveloping attack and supple structuring tannins that are almost entirely concealed by its deep core of fruit. Long and sapid, this is a spectacular wine in the making." 

Wine Spectator, 95 Points 

"Richebourg displays a slightly more vegetal aroma, along with spices, verging on black cherry. Rich, dense and showing more flesh than the RSV, its structure is broader and tannins more tightly knit." 

Alcohol: 13%  

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.