1958 Romanee Conti

The 1958 Romanée Conti Grand Cru was served blind at a dinner in London. As provenance is such an issue, this came from an impeccable source, namely the sale of Dr. Alejandro Zaffaroni's cellar that was sold through Christies (see Michael Broadbent's "Vintage Wine" tome). What a pleasant surprise, especially given the vintage. Mature with a chestnut core, the bouquet has a ferrous tinge, and it is quite stately with a hint of undergrowth and chestnut that infuse that still bright red berry fruit. It is not potent in any shape ot form, but there is marvelous delineation and that runs through onto the palate. There are fine tannins here, a slightly citric edge that infuses the tart red fruit. It is not complex, but there is still a brightness and joie-de-vivre about this Romanée-Conti, with hints of bay leaf and minerals on the aftertaste. This is just wonderful. Tasted October 2015.