2017 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru is a fitting end to a vertical that several attendees voted wine of the night. It has a riveting bouquet, very harmonious with Earl-Grey-tinged red fruit, forest floor and hints of crushed stone. Wonderful delineation. The palate has exquisite balance and poise, a little powdery in texture with gentle grip. Layered dark berry fruit with hints of bay leaf and cola build towards the finish. Yes, it does need time, but I would not begrudge anyone giving into temptation in the near future. Tasted at the Richebourg vertical dinner in Taipei.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
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.
The 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru was picked on September 8 and 10 at 37hl/ha and bottled from February 20 until March 25. It has a very fragrant and floral bouquet that would be easier to conflate with Romanée-Saint-Vivant, which was served after the Richebourg. The seductive nose reveals rose petals, vivid red fruit and a touch of sea spray. The palate is medium-bodied with tangy orange and marmalade veins on the entry, and plenty of red fruit that segues into a much more reserved finish. Some might argue that this is a bit of a lightweight Richebourg; rather, it is one that prioritizes grace and elegance, to use the words of Aubert de Villaine. 1,261 cases produced. Tasted at Corney & Barrow’s annual in-bottle tasting in London.
Pale garnet. Slightly mute nose but with the impression of masses underneath. Light and jewelly with power surging up towards the finish. Undertow of pomegranate and autumn undergrowth. Neat and lightly chewy. Transparent and sort of weightless. Decidedly a é rien ! 1,261 cases (JR)
About the producer
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti or simply “DRC” is without doubt the most famous domaine in Burgundy and one of the most famous producers on earth. The Grand Cru vineyard from which it takes its name produces the world’s most expensive wine by a long margin.