(this vineyard is presently divided into fourths by the Domaine and one section is never used, another is always used and the remaining two are evaluated and added or not as quality dictates; generally the amount held out amounts to 1.5 ha) As one would reasonably expect, this is notably more elegant with a pure, delicate and layered nose of floral notes, in particular rose and violet, along with clove, anise and sandalwood nuances that gracefully introduce rich, forward and generous flavors that retain a wonderful sense of tension, detail and refinement on the precise, textured and focused finish that offers tremendous length. For all its considerable attributes however, this remains an understated wine of harmony, grace and impeccable balance. A stunner of a wine.

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Good medium red. Captivating nose combines red and darker berries, smoky earth, cocoa powder, violet and sandalwood, displaying an element of lift currently missing in the Grands-Echezeaux. sweet, silky and concentrated on the suave, saline palate; consistent from start to finish. Really spreads out to dust every square millimeter of the mouth. Finishes very long and subtle, with a compelling spicy perfume. A superb showing.

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Pale cherry red. Plenty of peppery spice initially but also finely floral. Perfumed red fruit then emerges from under the spice, sweet, even a hint of vanilla. A little bit exotic but in a fresh, light way. Like the Grands Échezeaux, the power and intensity on the palate comes as a surprise after the delicacy of the nose. Much more savoury, moreish, tautly mouthwatering. Firm but grainless tannins. Dry finish that cries out for the next sip to try to plumb the wine’s depths. But the tiny tasting sample is all gone. Always so tantalising. (JH)

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The 2008 Romanee St. Vivant is pure seduction. The aromatics alone are breathtaking, but the RSV is truly firing on all cylinders. Curiously, today the RSV is quite a bit rounder and suppler than the Echezeaux and Grands-Echezeaux. It shows remarkable silkiness, inner perfume and nobility. A seamless finish rounds things out in style. My instincts tell me this will firm up in bottle, but frankly I am a bit mystified that hasn't happened yet. Today, this doesn't look like a super long-term ager within the context of the domaine's very finest wines.

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Aromas of strawberry, cherry and rose are very pure, if reserved, and this possesses an inner beauty. Translucent, yet firm and austere, with fine length.

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