1990 Romanee St Vivant

Arnoux made a terrific, although absurdly priced, Romanee St.-Vivant. The similarity in its bouquet to that of a DRC wine is noticeable. The wine flaunts a black fruit character, toasty new oak, and gobs of oriental spices. In the mouth, the predominant fruit flavor is of super-ripe black-cherries. Framed nicely by new oak and adequate acidity, this wine ends with a spectacularly long, rich finish. It should drink well for 10-12 years. This is an exciting, dramatic Pinot Noir. Unquestionably, the 1990's are Robert Arnoux's finest wines since his 1978s and 1980s. During much of the eighties, because of his predilection to over-crop, good, rather than dazzling wines were made. Importer: Peter Vezan Selections, various American importers, including Ideal Wine and Spirits, Medford, MA.