Fine Wine Offers 20 09 2024
2 bottles – 1/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 1995 @ £2,495 per 1 bottle IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,078++) now – photo available
Some lightening of the colour is now evident, though there is no bricking. An expressive nose that is essentially completely mature offers spicy secondary fruit aromas that are complex and classy while introducing delicious and concentrated flavours of the obvious breed, but there is a hint of under ripeness, even greenness to the chewy, firmly structured and even slightly tough finish that detracts somewhat from the overall effect. I like the complexity, and this certainly is not without appeal, but the finish is rendered awkward by the mildly astringent tannins; while they are certainly not resolved at present, I would suggest drinking the '95 Cros anyway while there is fruit remaining as this will very likely dry out in time. Tasted several times with consistent notes.
90 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jul 2013, Now+
1 bottle – 1/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 1999 @ £2,395 per 1 IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,958-£3,275++) now – photo available
(with thanks to Dr. Reed Day). This is ripe yet still quite fresh with its spicy, sexy and wonderfully perfumed black fruit aromas that are trimmed in hints of wood and menthol. The intense, powerful and sappy medium plus weight flavours are shaped by a still solidly firm tannic spine and excellent length. After having gone through a lengthy period of being almost completely shut down, this moderately dense effort has regained the form that it originally displayed from the cask and a wine that should continue to reward patience for those fortunate enough to have bottles in their cellars. While it could certainly be enjoyed now, I would advise holding this for at least another 10 years, and 15 would not be too many. Note that I have had some bottle variation, and my scores have bounced between 93 and 96 points.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2019, 2029+
1 case – 12/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Georges Jayer (E.Rouget) 2002 @ £22,495 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £29,995++) now – photo attached – Bought EP stored UK
(With thanks to Joe Wong and Bonnie Wai). An overtly spicy and beautiful nose shows only traces of secondary fruit and ample Vosne character. There is both good richness and mid-palate density to the utterly delicious medium-bodied flavours that display good underlying tension while culminating in a wonderfully complex, lingering and balanced finale. Moreover, it shows none of the sometimes-shrill acidity of the 2002 reds and thus, the overall sense of balance is really quite lovely. I've had this several times over the years and it has always shown well. I would add that for my taste, this beauty is drinking perfectly now but it should continue to hold for at least another decade and perhaps more.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Sept 2022
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine Jean Grivot 2003 @ £5,495 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,495++) now - photo attached – bought EP stored UK
As one would expect, given the super-hot vintage conditions, this is extremely ripe, though it stops short of displaying roasted fruit on the markedly spicy, plum and violet-inflected nose that presently exhibits virtually no secondary nuances. The dense, powerful and robust flavours possess huge size and weight before terminating in a palate coating finish that delivers impressive length. While this is a first-rate 2003, I can't say that it appeals to me. That said, quality is quality, and style is style, and this is undeniably a wine of quality, whether it appeals to me or not.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghhound, Nov 2015
1 case – 12/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Georges Jayer (E.Rouget) 2003 @ £15,495 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £18,500++) now – photo available – Bought EP stored UK
1 case – 12/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Georges Jayer (E.Rouget) 2003 @ £14,895 per 12 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £18,500++) now – photo attached – Bought EP stored UK
2 cases – 12/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2003 @ £27,795 per 12 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £35,995++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
2 cases – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2003 @ £13,495 per 6 IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £17,995++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
Stylistically much like the Ech but with more size, weight and punch, plus the always present minerality of classic Cros Parantoux gives this a certain much-needed rigour. The wonderfully spicy nose explodes from the glass and this is much more expressive and forward than is usual for young Cros, in fact the delicious, classy and deep flavors are remarkably approachable and supple already. Still, there is an underlying backbone of solid but fine tannins and this will require all or most of a decade to realize its full potential. In short, this is a most interesting, if not genuinely great, example of Rouget Cros.
90 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2006 2011+
1 case – 4/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2004 @ £7,295 per 4 IB & OC6 (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,164++) now – photos available – 4 bottles in an OC6
1 case – 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2004 @ £5,495 per 3 IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,295++) now – photos available
1 case – 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2004 @ £5,495 per 3 IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,295++) now – photos available
A beautifully elegant nose of pure and sweet aromas which are nuanced, airy, detailed and incredibly seductive while possessing the classic coolness and reserve complement middle-weight flavours that are supple, silky and minerally, yet there is ample muscle lurking beneath the sophisticated exterior. This is still young with outstanding length and finishing intensity, and while there is a noticeable touch of crushed leaf, it actually adds depth rather than coming across as vegetal. This may very well be Méo's best wine in 2004 and displays no hints of greenness. Note that this could easily be enjoyed now, though, for my taste, I would hold it for another 1 to 3 years first. Tasted twice over the past few years with consistent results.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2015, Try 2016+
2 cases – 12/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Georges Jayer (E.Rouget) 2004 @ £15,495 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £19,995++) now – photo attached, 2nd image available – Bought EP stored UK
1 case – 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine Robert Arnoux 2005 @ £8,795 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £10,500++) now – photo attached – Bought EP stored UK
1 case – 3/150cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine Robert Arnoux 2005 @ £8,795 per 3 MAGS IB & OC SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £10,500++) now – photo attached – Bought EP stored UK
There is an all-but-invisible touch of brett present on the otherwise pretty and beautifully layered nose that features notes of various dark berries, violets and a wide range of spice elements. The gorgeously refined middle-weight flavours possess a suave and silky mouth feel before culminating in a strikingly complex finish that seems to dance across the palate while delivering flat-out huge length. This is still moderately firm, yet with air, it could easily be enjoyed now. Note that my score offers the benefit of the doubt regarding the Brett as I have no other recent notes, and thus, I can't say whether this bottle was entirely representative. Try from 2020+
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (4/2016)
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Les Gaudichots’, Nicolas Potel 2005 @ £3,745 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,465-£4,995++) now – rare case – Baby La Tache! – photo attached
A distinctly different and explosively kaleidoscopic nose features red, black and blue fruit aromas with notes of anise, clove, soy, hoisin and a touch of oak merges into supple, detailed and admirably pure flavours that possess serious depth and a touch of finishing wood on the hugely long finish. Lovely juice.
91-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (01/07)
1 case – 6/75cl Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, Domaine Louis Jadot 2005 @ £920 per 6 IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £950++) now – photo available
As it has been all its life, the '05 Clos de Vougeot remains quite reserved though aggressive swirling eventually coaxes notably ripe dark berry liqueur-like aromas that are cut with notes of warm earth, leather and underbrush. There is excellent concentration to the broad-shouldered, powerful and intense flavours that possess an impressive level of sappy dry extract, all wrapped in a driving, youthfully austere and ever-so-mildly rustic finish. This is a classically styled example of the appellation that is clearly still very much evolving and, to my taste, one that will require at least another decade of bottle age first. In sum, this is impressive but still quite backward.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (3/2019)
2 cases – 12/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2005 @ £17,995 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £22,500++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
1 case – 6/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2005 @ £8,795 per 6 IB & re-packed carton now – photo available – Bought EP stored UK
A ripe, expressive and airy nose that combines both upper and mid-level register fruit notes that include red pinot, blackberry and violet notes trimmed in moderate wood spice as well as natural spice notes of clove and anise that can also be found on the round, rich and beautifully balanced big-bodied flavours that are powerful, long and more stylish than usual. This is a terrific Ech that should be capable of at least a decade's worth of improvement.
91-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2007, 2015+
1 case – 12/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2006 @ £29,995 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £36,995++) now – photo available - Bought EP stored UK
1 case – 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2006 @ £7,595 per 3 IB & OC12 (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,995++) now – photo available - Bought EP stored UK - 3 bottles in an OC12
(with thanks to Dr. Reed Day). A highly nuanced, cool and layered nose features red, blue and black pinot fruit aromas with violet and rose petal notes that introduce powerful, concentrated and strikingly intense flavours that possess excellent depth and sneaky good length. This impeccably well-balanced effort is a wine of harmony and grace yet with fine power and ample minerality. This is clearly very tightly wound and will need extended cellaring if you wish to savour it at its peak.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2010, 2026+
2 cases – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2006 @ £17,695 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £24,295++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
A highly complex upper register and very fresh aromas of airy red and black fruit plus spicy floral notes of mostly violet with a bit of rose petal merge into rich, full and sweet flavours that are wonderfully detailed and possess a pungent and firm minerality on the textured, pure, precise and persistent finish. Really lovely quality here, fashioned with real style and grace. A classic Vosne with a buried structure that confers a deceptively accessible impression to what will require at least a decade to fully blossom.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2007 @ £17,695 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £24,000++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
An exceptionally fresh, cool and restrained nose of beautiful red berry fruit and stone hints trimmed in subtle touches of wood and a panoply of spice nuances introduces absolutely lovely, classy and pure, moderately sized flavours that are built on a base of minerality, all wrapped in a vibrant and firmly structured and hugely long finish where there is an almost palpable sense of the underlying tension and energy. I really like the manner in which a beautifully textured and focused wine delivers its power without undue weight. In sum, a 'wow' wine.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Les Gaudichots’, Nicolas Potel 2007 @ £2,150 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,280-£2,400++) now – photo available – Very last vintage
I won’t enter into the mysteries surrounding the origins of Maison Potel’s 2007 Vosne-Romanee Les Gaudichots (and its predecessors) and whether or not this vintage would have been the last such wine even had Nicolas Potel remained with the company that bears his name. I will tell you that this rendition offers the usual metaphorical darkness, formidable structure and grand cru length one associates with its tiny premier cru (consisting of three disparate remnants of what otherwise long ago became a part of La Tache). Peat, morello cherry, and piquantly cyanic crushed fruit pits make for a penetrating nose. Strong but fine-grained tannins undergird ripe cherry and black raspberry. At the same time, pungent citrus oil and peat-like smokiness penetrate every recess in the mouth in a vibratory and assertive finish. This ought to have at least 12-15 years of fascination in it. Just to preserve some perspective, Potel rendered no fewer than five different Vosne premier crus from 2007 (just as he had in 2006) of which I tasted only this one.
92 points David Schildernecht, Wine Advocate (6/2010)
2 cases – 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2008 @ £5,695 per 3 IB & OC 2-3 weeks – photos attached – rare ex-Domaine individual OC3 release
2 bottles – 1/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2008 @ £2,050 per 1 IB & re-packed carton now – photo available
An exceptionally pretty and perfumed nose features notes of spice, dried flowers and sandalwood, along with both red and dark currant scents. There is excellent richness to the caressing medium-bodied and overtly mineral-driven flavours that culminate in a delicious, complex, balanced and lengthy finish that still exhibits a touch of austerity. Like many of the better 2008s today, this is still on the way up, and I would be strongly inclined to hold this for another 7 to 10 years first, as the firm tanninic spine is going to require time to resolve fully.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2016, 2023+
1 case – 12/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2008 @ £13,495 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £15,000-£16,995++) now – photo available - Bought EP stored UK
A wonderfully seductive nose features violets, plum, Asian-style spices, exotic tea, black fruit, and subtle floral hints that continue onto the rich, detailed, and mouth-coating middle-weight flavours that are textured, sweet and sappy yet somehow manage to remain delineated and culminate in a highly complex and beautifully well-balanced finish. This should be excellent.
91-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2008 @ £17,695 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £24,295++) now – photo available, Bought EP stored UK
40+ year old vines. Airy, ripe, elegant and dense aromas that are actually quite pure as the moderate wood does not really interfere, and one can literally smell the concentration as the ripe and cool spicy purple fruit is incredibly dense, nuanced and complex. The rich, dense and mouth-coating flavours are focused and beautifully detailed as this stains and drenches the palate with seductive pinot extract and culminates in a textured, structured, stony and superbly long finish that should be capable of extended ageing. Terrific, and this is also very Vosne. *Outstanding*
92-95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2010)
1 case – 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine Hudelot-Noellat 2008 @ £4,995 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £5,370-£6,385++) now - photos attached
2008 Romanée St. Vivant: The ’08 RSV displays a pure, highly spiced and expressive nose where the fruit runs more to the red side of the spectrum with hints of plum and violets that marry into refined, focused and precise medium full-bodied flavours that are utterly seductive as there is a beguiling succulence to the textured and gorgeously long finish that tightens up quickly as the ripe tannins make their presence felt. This will need time and it is a very impressive effort.
92-95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2020+
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2009 @ £22,995 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £27,295++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
2009 Vosne-Romanée “Cros Parantoux”: (40+ year old vines). A notably ripe yet elegant, cool, restrained and airy nose of rose petal, spice, hoisin, plum and mineral-laden aromas merges into medium-weight flavours brimming with stone influences and an abundance of extract culminating in a relatively powerful finish underpinned by ripe tannins and superb length. This really stains the palate and I very much like the underlying sense of tension on the explosive and almost painfully intense finish. In short, this is a knock-out.
93-96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2024+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair 2009 @ £5,195 per 6 IB & OWC now – photo attached
2009 Richebourg: (from a .52 ha parcel; 30% whole clusters). An intensely floral and highly-spiced nose is quite cool and restrained as it leads to powerful, concentrated, and very serious flavours that possess excellent scale and volume on the gorgeously long, balanced and focused finish. This is an old-school style effort through and through, though, and while it’s notably ripe, it avoids any sense of heaviness or rusticity. This remarkable effort should be great in time.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2027+
1 case – 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine Hudelot-Noellat 2009 @ £5,395 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £5,900-£6,000++) now – photos available
This also sports discreet wood influence on the intensely floral and kaleidoscopically spicy nose of blueberry and black cherry aromas that introduce rich, intense and naturally sweet middle-weight flavours that are lacy, pure and almost delicate before culminating in a suave, explosive and magnificently long finish. This is just terrific, and the balance is impeccable. Note, however, that like the 2010 version, the ultra-fine tannins are also quite dense, and this will also require 15 years or so of cellar time before it will be ready for prime time.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2012, 2024+
1 case – 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2010 @ £12,495 per 3 IB & OC3 (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £15,000++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
Noticeable wood isn't enough to dominate the naturally spicy and ripe but cool aromas of black fruit and plum liqueur, along with plenty of wet stone nuances that continue onto the tightly wound, intense and mineral-driven flavours. There is excellent precision to the highly energetic and driving finish that displays impressive power on the massively long finish. This exquisitely balanced effort doesn't have the sheer size, weight and muscularity of the Richebourg, but it is even finer. In a word, brilliant.
94-97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2012, 2028+
1 case – 12/75cl Echezeaux du Dessus Grand Cru, Domaine Robert Jayer-Gilles (Hoffman-Jayer) 2010 @ £5,495 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,795++) now – photo attached
Discreet wood influence does not materially detract from the very spicy cassis, plum, black berry and red pinot fruit liqueur aromas where there are background whiffs of spices and pungent earth. The rich, velvety and broad flavours brim with dry extract that also imparts a textured and highly seductive mouth feel to the powerfully long and explosively intense finish. This built-to-age beauty is also the most impressive.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2012, 2022+
1 case – 6/75cl Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, Domaine Drouhin-Laroze 2010 @ £720 per 6 IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £760-£820++) now – photo available
2010 Clos de Vougeot: (this and the Latricières are from the oldest vines of the Domaine, and this wine comes from a superbly situated 1 ha parcel of Clos de Vougeot high on the hill). A slightly riper blend of red and blue pinot fruit, violets and plenty of warm earth also suffuses the rich, full-bodied and very serious broad-shouldered flavours. This enjoys an abundance of tannin-buffering dry extract that confers a sappy texture to the driving, complex and hugely long finish. This is a first-rate example of this uneven appellation and well worth considering.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound 2025+
1 case – 1/150cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Aux Malconsorts’ Cuvee Christiane, Domaine de Montille 2011 @ £1,030 per 1 MAG IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,150++) now – photo available
2011 Vosne-Romanée “Les Malconsorts - Christiane”: (100% stems). This is aromatically similar except for the markedly more pronounced spice component which is broader still and perhaps just a touch more elegant. There is outstanding volume and richness to the large-scaled flavours that display superb delineation and ample minerality before culminating in a mouth-coating finish of Zen-like harmony and stunning length. This is an indisputable ‘wow’ wine.
93-96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2023+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine du Clos Frantin (Bichot) 2011 @ £3,195 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £3,995++) now – photo attached – ultra-rare OC - smallest Richebourg plot 0.07ha c.25 cases!
2011 Richebourg: Much like the Grands Echézeaux, this is intensely floral with a cool and highly restrained nose of red berries, spice and stone scents. There is excellent volume and energy to the big-bodied, intense and overtly muscular flavours that terminate in a mineral-driven, dusty and beautifully long finish. This doesn’t offer the same power that the Grands Echézeaux does, but this is finer, and the length simply doesn’t quit. A first-class beauty that, despite the muscle, I would describe as a Richebourg of elegance and refinement.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2026+
1 case – 6/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine du Clos Frantin (Bichot) 2011 @ £970 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,100-£1,195++) now – nicked label – photo available – 2015 £1,500
2011 Grands Echézeaux: (from a .4 ha parcel). Noticeable but reasonably well-integrated oak is present on the very reserved, if overtly spicy, cool and distinctly floral nose. There is fine size and weight to the robust and muscular medium-bodied flavours that possess good muscle, yet the dense supporting tannins are also relatively fine. There is plenty of energy to the driving, even explosive finish that goes on and on. A classic Grands Echézeaux that will need a long cellar snooze to arrive at its full majority.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2023+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine Hudelot-Noellat 2011 @ £4,695 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £5,250++) now – photo available - Bought EP stored UK
2011 Richebourg: (from vines that abut those of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Richebourg proper). Here, the equally broad-ranging nose is actually similar to that of the Romanée St. Vivant, but it’s both cooler and even more restrained with a bit more floral influence as well. The intensely mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavours are an exercise in refinement with tremendous depth of material that pushes the very firm tannic spine to the background on the palate staining, explosive and stunningly precise finish. This is perhaps on the lighter side in the context of the appellation, but the laser-like focus and persistence are easy of grand cru calibre.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2026+
1 case – 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2011 @ £5,195 per 3 IB & OC3 (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,195++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
2011 Vosne-Romanée “Cros Parantoux”: (40+ year old vines). This is spicier still and cooler as well, with a strikingly complex nose of red currant, cherry and cassis along with prominent wet stone nuances that are even more so on the precise, intense and delineated medium-weight flavours that culminate in a massively long finish. This is utterly seamless and impeccably well-balanced and should be capable of amply rewarding extended cellaring. Sensational.
93-95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2026+
2 cases – 1/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2012 @ £2,095 per 1 IB & OC1 (SIB) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
1 case – 1/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2012 @ £1,995 per 1 & OC1 now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK – Vintage neck sleeve missing
2012 Vosne-Romanée “Cros Parantoux”: (40+ year old vines). A restrained, cool and superbly elegant nose features notes of Asian spices, red currant, plum and lavender, along with the hallmark mineral nuances, all of which are trimmed in enough wood to notice. There is a superb intensity to the refined, delineated and focused medium-bodied flavours that are shaped by dense but exceptionally fine tannins that are impeccably well-integrated into the energetic and explosively long finish that is distinctly saline in character. Like the Brûlées, this is indisputably built to age.
93-96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Les Malconsorts’, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard 2012 @ £4,795 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks
2012 Vosne-Romanée “Les Malconsorts”: (from a .74 ha parcel of 35+-year-old vines). There is plenty of Vosne-style spice in the form of inner-mouth perfume, along with soft floral and tea nuances. As one would expect from a first-rate example, there is excellent volume, power and muscle to the intensely mineral-infused big-bodied flavours that brim with dry extract on the explosively long and impeccably well-balanced finish that goes on and on. This is terrific, though. Note that a minimum of 10 and probably 15 years will be required to realize the marvellous development potential fully. A classic Malconsorts of power and depth.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2024+
1 case – 3/150cl Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, Domaine du Clos Frantin (Bichot) 2013 @ £645 per 3 MAGS IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £695++) now – photo attached
2013 Clos de Vougeot : (from a .72 ha parcel). Reduction flattens the nose and renders it impossible to evaluate. There is good volume to the relatively supple medium-weight flavours that possess a surprising mouth feel in that it’s caressing rather than powerful. By contrast, there is a solid tannic spine and the classic youthful austerity on the long and beautifully complex finish, and overall, this should make for a very fine example in time. Moreover, note that, unlike the Chambertin, this should be more accessible to the young if desired.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2025+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine du Clos Frantin (Bichot) 2013 @ £2,395 per 6 IB & OWC 2-3 weeks – 2014 £3,300++
2013 Richebourg: A wonderfully elegant and very spicy nose also features plenty of floral character in the aromas that combine notes of exotic tea, sandalwood, dried orange peel, lilac, violet, red, and dark currants. There is ample richness to the intense medium weight flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality on the balanced and solidly long finish. This is pretty rather than deep as it doesn’t have the mid-palate concentration of the Grands Ech though it is classier.
91 points Allen Meadows, Burghound/2025+
1 case – 1/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2013 @ £1,395 per 1 & OC1 (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,550++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
A beautifully elegant and markedly floral and spicy nose of mostly dark berry fruit is trimmed in just enough wood to notice. There is a very fine delineation to the intensely mineral-driven and tautly muscular middle-weight flavours that also possess knock-out mid-palate concentration before culminating in an explosively long finish. In the same fashion as the Brûlées, this is very firmly structured and will require plenty of bottle age to reveal its immense potential. This, too, is a "wow" wine.
93-96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2015
2 cases – 1/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2014 @ £1,495 per 1 IB & OC1 (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,600++) now – photos available - Bought EP stored UK
2014 Vosne-Romanée “Cros Parantoux”: (60+-year-old vines; vinified with ~10% whole cluster). Once again, there is enough reduction present to render the nose difficult to assess, though there are wisps of spice and floral nuances discernible in the background. Otherwise, there is terrific intensity to the sleek and stony medium weight flavors that possess lovely delineation while delivering simply fantastic length on the ultra-serious and moderately austere finale. This wonderfully refined and restrained effort is also going to require extended cellaring.
93-96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case - 12/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2015 @ £10,995 per 12 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £12,800++) now – photo attached
2015 Echézeaux: (from a total area of 1.06 ha with 60- to 65-year-old vines in the climates of Les Treux and Cruots that have .63 ha and .43 ha, respectively). Once again, subtle but not unnoticeable wood surrounds the slightly riper and liqueur-like aromas of black cherry, sandalwood, Asian spice elements and a lovely array of floral scents. There is both excellent volume and concentration to the opulent and seductively textured flavours that coat the palate with dry extract on the markedly firm finish that is very much built-to-age. There is a hint of warmth, but other than that, this is very impressive.
92-95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2030+
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Les Suchots’, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard 2015 @ £5,895 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,300-£7,500++) 2-3 weeks
2015 Vosne-Romanée “Les Suchots”: (30+ year old vines). A brilliantly spicy nose is comprised of notes of violet, plum, lavender, soy, Asian-style tea and black cherry. There is more volume and richness if less precision and delineation to the velvety and seductive-textured medium weight plus flavours that coat the palate on the beautifully well-balanced, persistent and equally classy finish that is quite firmly structured. The sheer level of dry extract buffering the ripe and dense tannins is impressive, and as such, this terrific effort should age effortlessly.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2030+
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Les Beaumonts’, Domaine Hudelot Noellat 2015 @ £1,695 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,920 loose-£2,232++) 2-3 weeks
2015 Vosne-Romanée “Les Beaux Monts”: This is spicier still with its slightly more deeply pitched nose of red and dark pinot fruit, violet, Asian tea and dried orange peel hints. There is much more minerality present in the vibrant and intense medium-weight flavours that possess unusually good delineation for the vintage, all wrapped in a sappy, dusty and sneaky long finish. This is very classy juice and less marked by the vintage than the Vosne villages.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound/2027+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair 2015 @ £4,195 per 6 IB & OWC 2-3 weeks
2015 Richebourg: (from a .55 ha parcel). Yet again, reduction hides everything but the floral influence. By contrast, there is stunningly good power and intensity to the very, make-that-very, very backwards broad-shouldered flavours that brim with both buckets of dry extract and an almost pungent minerality on the precise, dusty and massively long finish. I appreciate that I sometimes probably sound like a broken record with my “absolutely must have patience” comments, but this is a wine that would be largely pointless to buy without the express intention of cellaring it for at least 12 to 15 years. It should richly reward 20 to 25. In a word, impressive.
93-96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2035+
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee ‘Les Champs Perdrix’, Domaine Bruno Clair 2016 @ £550 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £610-£670++) 2-3 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair 2018 @ £3,195 per 6 IB & OWC Lowest Wine Searcher £3,400-£3,500++) 2-3 weeks
2018 Richebourg: (from a .55 ha parcel; 35% whole clusters). An appealingly floral-infused combination, particularly violet and rose petals, exhibits notes of black raspberry, pomegranate and cassis, along with plenty of spice elements. The rich and relatively full-bodied flavours possess a fine intensity and good minerality, all wrapped in a somewhat grippy finish that doesn’t display the length that it normally does. We’ll see if this harmonizes in time.
88-91 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2030+
1 case – 12/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Emmanuel Rouget 2018 @ £24,995 per 12 IB & OC 2-3 weeks – awaiting photos
2018 Vosne-Romanée “Cros Parantoux”: (from a .70 ha parcel of 55+-year-old vines that for the last 5 years has been worked exclusively by horse). Once again, there is reduction present, and here, it’s enough to mask the fruit, though wisps of spice are perceptible. Otherwise, there is fine richness and volume to the velvet-textured medium-bodied flavours that brim with both minerality and sappy dry extract before culminating in a very firm, youthfully austere and gorgeously persistent finish. But what impresses me the most is the strikingly fine depth and this outstanding effort should amply reward extended keeping.
93-96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2033+
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘En Orveaux’, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard 2019 @ £4,095 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,500++) now – photo available
2019 Vosne-Romanée “En Orveaux”: (from a .30 ha parcel of 55+-year-old vines). This is one of the few wines that was significantly reduced, and it’s enough to push the underlying fruit to the background. Otherwise, the super-sleek, intense and highly energetic flavours possess both very fine detail and plenty of minerality before concluding in a moderately austere, classy and sneaky long finale. Lovely juice built to reward mid to perhaps even longer-term cellaring.
91-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case – 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru ‘Du Dessus’, Domaine Cecile Tremblay 2019 @ £4,995 per 3 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £5,250++) 2-3 weeks
2 cases – 6/75cl Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, Domaine d’Eugenie 2019 @ £1,595 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,780++) 8-10 weeks
2019 Clos de Vougeot: (from a 1.37 ha parcel of 60+-year-old vines situated close to the Château; 75% whole clusters). This, too, is deftly wooded with an ultra-floral-suffused nose that speaks primarily of both red and dark berries, newly turned earth and a hint of humus. There is excellent volume to the denser and muscular yet relatively refined broad-shouldered flavours that culminate in a youthfully austere, compact and gorgeously long finish. The supporting tannins are dense but admirably fine-grained, and while the overall impression is not as classy as that of the Grands Echézeaux, there is a bit more here. Patience is strongly advised.
93-95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2036+
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee, Domaine Berthaut-Gaubet 2020 @ £375 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £390++) 2-3 weeks
1 case – 1/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Cros Parantoux’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2020 @ £1,475 per 1 & OC1 (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,550-£2,400++) 2-3 weeks - Bought EP stored UK
2020 Vosne-Romanée “Cros Parantoux”: (60+ year old vines). Here, the more restrained nose isn’t quite as fresh as that of the Richebourg, though it’s almost as spicy with its blend of red and dark currant, plum, anise, soy and Asian-style tea. The rich, concentrated and powerful flavours are not quite as broad-shouldered, though it’s close, as there is evident muscle and minerality to the firmly structured and slightly chewy finale where the only nit is a touch of warmth.
93-95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2035+
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee ‘Le Clos Goillotte, Domaine Prieure Roch 2021 @ £5,995 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £7,300++) 8-10 weeks
2 cases – 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine d’Eugenie 2021 @ £990 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,040++) 8-10 weeks
2021 Echézeaux: (from a .55 ha parcel in En Orveaux with vines planted in 1924 and 1979). A ripe and extremely fresh nose mixes notes of violet, plum and anise with those of dark pinot fruit and sandalwood. The medium weight plus flavours possess a positively gorgeous texture as it’s highly seductive while delivering excellent length on the impeccably well-balanced finale. This could use better depth, but the underlying material appears to be up to the take. In a word, lovely.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2033+
1 case – 6/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Nicole Lamarche 2021 @ £1,500 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,500 loose++) 8-10 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl La Grande Rue Grand Cru MONOPOLE, Domaine Nicole Lamarche 2021 @ £2,695 per 6 IB & OWC 8-10 weeks
2021 La Grande Rue: (a 1.65 ha monopole). Firm reduction overshadows the fruit and spice elements. The sleek, delicious, and vibrant middleweight flavours offer slightly better density and notably better complexity in the moderately austere and sneaky long and balanced finale. At least some patience will be required as this is also tightly wound.
91-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2033+
1 case – 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de L’Arlot 2022 @ £1,450 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,575 loose++) 8-10 weeks
1 case - 6/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2009 @ £15,795 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £17,000++) now – awaiting photos – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2009 Grands Echézeaux: (55+ year old vines). A gorgeously spicy nose features aromas of black cherry, plum and soft mocha that complement well the ripe, supple and clearly very vibrant middle weight plus flavours that are overtly muscular but not rustic and culminate in a superbly complex and palate-staining finish. This is almost always a very substantial wine, but it was huge in 2009, and I think that it’s safe to observe that the ’09 GE is impressive as hell, even relative to a wine that makes achieving reference standard quality look commonplace.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2034+
10 cases – 6/75cl Champagne Taittinger Comte de Champagne, Blanc de Blancs 2013 @ £645 per 6 IB & OC 3-4 weeks
The 2013 Comtes de Champagne is a towering Champagne, as it was last year. Rich, sumptuous and explosive, the 2013 soars out of the glass with a captivating mix of tropical fruit, apricot, passion fruit, baked apple tart, mint and yellow flowers. It is one of the most explosive, extroverted Comtes I have ever tasted. Impressive.
98 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2024
5 cases - 12/75cl Volnay 1er Cru ‘Les Pitures’, Domaine Vincent Girardin 2017 @ £500 per 12 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £590++) now
10 cases - 6/75cl Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru ‘Morgeot’, Domaine Vincent Latour 2020 @ £350 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £440++) 2-3 weeks – formerly Domaine Jean Latour Labille
8 cases - 6/75cl Meursault 1er Cru ‘Poruzots’, Domaine Vincent Latour 2020 @ £325 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £375-£440++) 2-3 weeks
15 cases - 6/75cl Beaune 1er Cru ‘Epenottes’, Domaine Ballot-Millot 2020 @ £240 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £235-£420++) 2-3 weeks
10 cases - 6/75cl Beaune 1er Cru ‘Clos du Roi’, Domaine Tawse 2020 @ £225 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £210-£270++) 2-3 weeks
6 cases - 6/75cl Beaune 1er Cru ‘Tuvilains’, Domaine Tawse 2020 @ £225 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £230-£410++) 2-3 weeks
10 cases - 6/75cl Cotes de Nuits Villages, Maison Tawse 2021 @ £175 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £190 loose++) 2-3 weeks
1 case - 6/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1993 @ £22,595 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £27,995++) now – photo available – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
Much like the '93 La Tâche (see multiple reviews herein), I confess to having decidedly mixed experiences with the '93 GE as well, with some bottles showing brilliantly and others being tight to the point of an almost surly austerity and revealing next to nothing. I expected more of the latter given the very large format, but to my surprise, this was entirely civilized with its expressive and perfumed nose of Asian tea, spice elements, dried flowers and plenty of earth character. There is lovely complexity to the serious, dense and powerful big-bodied flavours that are still moderately firm but not hard while delivering excellent length. While this could be drunk now, I would be inclined to continue holding it if you're fortunate enough to own it in magnum or jeroboam formats. In sum, 1993 is a very good, if not genuinely great, vintage for the domain's Grand Ech. Tasted only once in Jero.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2015, 2023+
1 case - 6/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1995 @ £18,295 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £19,995++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian – photo attached
Perfumed, sexy black fruit aromas explode from the glass, and the big, robust, structured, intense, full-bodied flavours display a wonderful sappy and spicy quality plus good if not special, length. This is still moderately structured, yet there is already a velvety quality to the finish that makes this really quite seductive. While the '95 Ech is certainly a quality effort, there is a small hole in the mid-palate that prevents this from rising to the next level. In short, it is delicious but not exceptional by the standards of this wine. Consistent notes.
89 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Nov 2005
1 case - 6/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1996 @ £18,295 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £19,995++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2 bottles - 1/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1996 @ £2,595 per 6 IB & loose now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
(Opened from personal storage). The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti fashioned outstanding '96s, and while this will not challenge the dominance of its more esteemed stable mates, it is clearly a lovely effort. The expressive nose displays lovely spice and violet aromas that offer more elegance and finesse than usual and lead to rich, sweet and moderately structured flavours supported by bright but not aggressive acidity and excellent finishing persistence. I quite like the '96 Ech, and while it can finally be approached now with pleasure, it should be capable of holding at this level for years to come. Multiple and consistent notes.
91 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2016
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1996 @ £10,395 per 3 IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £11,995++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian – photos available
(With thanks to Bruce Khouri). Deep ruby. What was once quite aromatically tight and backwards has now begun to open to reveal elegant red and black fruit aromas nuanced by ample spice and warm earth nuances that are followed by middle-weight, focused and still somewhat reserved flavours that culminate in firm but not hard finish. While there is noticeable acidity present, it is not in the aggressive fashion that plagues any number of '96s. Over several hours, this becomes superbly elegant and spicy with outstanding precision and detail, and it's clear that the extended aeration is the key to getting all there is out of the '96 GE at this point. This is still on the way up and in good storage; it should live for decades. Moreover, given how many '96s are showing today, this has to rank among the best of the vintage. Multiple and consistent notes save for one bottle that exhibited definite signs of Brett.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2016, 2021+
1 case - 6/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1997 @ £18,295 per 6 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
(With thanks to Dr. Jeff Chen). The expressive nose is still extremely floral and trimmed in subtle but classic Vosne spice that introduces medium-weight flavours of good richness but not as much nuance or grace as one might want, as the otherwise reasonably complex finish displays a hint of greenness to the supporting structure. I was surprised at how well this was drinking given the extremely large format and while it will certainly hold for years to come, it's not clear that there will be any additional upside development. In short, while this is perfectly good for the vintage, it's not particularly distinguished either.
89 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2015, now+
1 case - 6/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1998 @ £18,495 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £19,995++)++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
This is no longer so completely primary, and while the nose has not yet reached full maturity, it is approaching it slowly but surely. The aromatic profile is very Vosne with ample blue and red berry fruit aromas cut with spice, earth and discreet game hints that lead to delicious, round and largely, if not completely, resolved middle-weight flavours that display subtle mineral nuances on the long and lingering finish. While this could certainly be drunk now with pleasure, for my taste, I would advise leaving the '98 Ech in the cellar for another 3 to 5 years and then drinking over the next 10 to 15.
90 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, (9/2010)
3 cases - 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Duvault Blochet’, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1999 @ £16,695 per 6 IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £16,200 duty paid-£19,500++) now – photo attached - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
(With thanks to Dr. Reed Day). A ripe and overtly spicy nose is now completely secondary in character, though there is no sous-bois in evidence. The rich, round and utterly delicious middle-weight flavours exhibit a subtle minerality on the focused finish that really fans out as it sits on the palate. To my taste, this has now arrived at its peak, and there is little if any, further development to be had. With that said, this should have no problem holding at this level for another decade, perhaps even a bit longer. Tasted multiple times with consistent notes.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Sep 2017, now+
1 case - 6/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2000 @ £17,995 per 6 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
Noticeably bricking, though, with a still healthy ruby core. An expressive nose offers up notes of sous-bois, ripe black fruits and perfumed aromas of fresh flowers, Asian spices and earth. There is a good focus on the rich, solidly well-concentrated and relatively powerful flavours that are balanced and harmonious while terminating in a focused and impressively lingering finish where the supporting tannins are largely resolved. For my taste, this has reached its peak, though it should continue to hold at this level for another decade, perhaps even longer.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2023, now+
1 case - 6/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2000 @ £19,995 per 6 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
The initial hints of bricking are present. An expressive nose freely reveals plenty of earth, exotic spice and floral nuances on the sous-bois-tinged secondary fruit scents. There is fine vibrancy and evident power to the broad-shouldered flavours that possess excellent depth and persistence in the balanced finale. For my taste, this has arrived at its full maturity, though Grands Echézeaux always seems to hold at its plateau remarkably well, and 2000 should prove to be no exception.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2023, now+
2 cases – 6/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2001 @ £16,995 per 6 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
1 case – 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2001 @ £8,495 per 3 IB & OWC 2-3 weeks
1 bottle - 1/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2001 @ £2,595 per 6 IB & loose now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
The latest bottle of this still youthful effort was notably pretty, and while the hallmark spice and perfumed dark berry fruit elements were still visible, it would be fair to say that the brett was not additive. There is a lovely sense of vibrancy to the pure, sweet and remarkably powerful middle-weight flavours that possess more volume than usual, all wrapped in a persistent and mouth-coating finish. The amount of sève is impressive, as is the sheer spiciness, and this is a good deal more refined than in most vintages. I should also observe that while I found the brett off-putting, most people loved it. I have only tried this one bottle recently, and thus, I don't know whether it was representative of the wine in general, and thus, my score offers the benefit of the doubt that it wasn't.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (9/2015)
2 cases - 6/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2001 @ £19,995 per 6 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
(with thanks to Bruce Khouri; also opened from personal storage). All the promise this showed in my last review (see Issue 13) is alive and well. While the floral yet extremely earthy nose with elegant ripe, pure, intense, beautifully delineated crushed black fruit aromas is still quite expressive, the plum and anise-laced broad-shouldered flavours that were closing down have begun to open once again. The finish displays a firm, dusty, almost robust structure, yet the tannins themselves seem refined. overall, this is an incredibly powerful wine, indeed even a forceful one, but with no lack of class. There remains fine upside potential here, and to that end, I have slightly upgraded my score as this is a very special wine. I should note, however, that this has arrived at the stage of its evolution where it's clearly not yet fully mature, but it's not so far away that it can't be enjoyed, particularly if given 30 minutes of air first.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2013, 2016+
1 case - 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Duvault Blochet’, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £7,995 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
(with thanks to Dr Reed Day). This is still quite fresh as the expressive nose displays only hints of secondary development to the spicy and overtly floral dark berry fruit aromas. There is a lovely sense of purity and minerality to the delicious and round yet precise and intense middle-weight flavours that offer fine finishing detail and persistence. This is a very pretty wine that, to my taste, has almost reached its peak, though I underscore that it should hold for another 15 years and perhaps even longer. Good juice.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jul 2016
4 cases - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £9,295 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
1 case – 1/150cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £5,295 per 1 MAGNUM IB & re-packed carton now – photo attached 00137 - split OWC6 allocation - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
1 case – 1/150cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £4,595 per 1 MAGNUM IB & re-packed carton now – photo attached 00136 – bin soiled, slight signs of old seepage - priced accordingly - split OWC6 allocation - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
Deep ruby. This, too, is very spicy and even more aromatically expressive, revealing linear, taut, intense, wonderfully complex, solidly structured flavours that display impressive acid/fruit/tannin balance. This culminates in a gorgeous inner mouth perfume and a tight, very firm finish of notable length. This may have overachieved in 2002 relative to its usual standard.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £9,495 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,900++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian – photo attached
This is still exceptionally youthful with wonderfully spicy and highly complex red pinot fruit aromas that are enhanced by subtle nuances of floral notes, damp earth, underbrush and even a hint of game. The big, muscular, but utterly refined full-bodied flavours are superbly intense, reserved and backward yet not hard, as there is plenty of sap that buffers the firm but remarkably sophisticated tannins on the stunningly lengthy finish. This is a very concentrated wine of real breed and impeccable balance that should age for at least 3 decades and perhaps longer. A most impressive Grands Ech that is very much still on the way up. Consistent notes.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2017, 2024+
1 case - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2003 @ £9,595 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £10,250++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
Exceptionally ripe and plumy, this wine has floral aromas that stop just short of being overtly surmature. It is nuanced with spice, anise, and warm earth and leads to rich, fat, and very sweet, indeed even opulent flavours that are quite seductive but not overly complex. This is much riper than usual and finishes with a slight touch of chewy rusticity. This is clearly the wine most marked by the vintage.
89 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2006, 2013+
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2004 @ £9,395 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,400-£9,900++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
In contrast to the expressive spiciness of the Echézeaux, this is a clear notch up in elegance and is clearly finer with an ultra-high-toned floral and spice-infused nose that is almost completely closed in though this may be due to a subtle touch of reduction. I would suggest decanting this if you're going to try a bottle young. The linear and ultra-pure medium full flavours trade more on finesse and refinement than what is usually a relatively powerful and muscular wine. This isn't a big wine, but the superb detail and unmatched precision are stunning. Be aware that it will be a wine for the patient as this is very understated at present and will definitely require at least a decade of cellar time to really open up.
91 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2007, 2014+
1 case - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2005 @ £9,595 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
The soaring nose of spicy cassis, black cherry and violets displayed from the cask has now become very reserved and brooding, merging into rich, full and utterly delicious flavours that possess a beguiling texture and unusually fine tannins compared to what I typically see with the Ech. This is a big wine by any measure, with excellent mid-palate density and superb length. It's really good stuff, and as the "value" plays in the DRC line-up, it is one to strongly consider because it surpasses its normal quality level by more than a fair margin in 2005.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2008, 2020+
1 case - 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Duvault Blochet’, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2006 @ £8,295 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,400-£8,500++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
An expressive, spicy and relatively high-toned nose of both red and black pinot fruit that is terrifically complex introduces fresh, intense and notably mineral-driven medium-full flavours blessed with plenty of dry extracts that lend a real sense of body and fullness to the firm and vibrant finish underpinned by a lovely feeling of tension and punch. Interestingly, the tannins are slightly less refined than those of the Echézeaux, but they match it in virtually every other category. This may very well be the best vintage for this cuvée since 1999 when the domain began releasing it periodically.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2009
3 cases - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2006 @ £8,295 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
Just as it was from the very beginning, the expressive nose of maturing red and black fruit is markedly floral in character with a plethora of spice and earth nuances. There is good richness to the round and delicious middle-weight flavours that possess an attractively textured and punchy finish that delivers good if not truly special, depth and length. I very much like the overall sense of balance, and the only nit is a trace of backend warmth. This is approaching its initial drinking window, though for my taste; the '06 Ech should benefit from another 3 to 5 years or so of cellaring.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2015, 2018+
2 cases - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2006 @ £9,695 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,900-£10,500++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
This remains moderately reserved, yet even so, there is wonderful complexity to the airy and layered nose that is distinctly floral while offering up a variety of spice notes, including anise, clove and soy nuances. There is terrific intensity to the pure and sleekly muscled flavors that possess real drive, indeed this does a slow but sure build from the mid-palate on through to the explosively long finish. This is a fascinating wine in that the natural robustness of a fine GE is present, but the natural elegance of the vintage tames it somewhat, and one could quite accurately describe the '06 GE as robustly elegant yet distinctly understated. Despite the elegance, this will need plenty of cellar time, though curiously, there isn't the usual austerity. Indeed, while I wouldn't recommend it, this is one of the few vintages less than 20 years of age that a magnum could enjoy now, even if there is still plenty of remaining upside potential.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2019, 2023+
1 case - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2007 @ £8,395 per 3 IB & OWC (SIB) now – photo attached – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2 cases - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2007 @ £8,695 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
A highly expressive, spicy and appealingly complex nose offers up fresh aromas of red berry fruit, floral nuances and soft Asian-style tea notes. The beautifully well-detailed, balanced and energetic flavors possess excellent transparency on the vibrant and mouth-coating finish.
91 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (3/2019)
1 case - 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Duvault Blochet’, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2008 @ £7,995 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian – photo available
1 case - 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Duvault Blochet’, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2008 @ £15,990 per 6 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
This is quite restrained at present, with subtle spice and cool red fruit aromas leading to medium-bodied flavours that are fresh and quite pure before revealing a rich and detailed finish supported by firm but integrated tannins and excellent length. If there is a shortcoming, it's that there is limited depth, though there is enough material that it may develop with a few years of bottle age.
90 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2011, 2020+
1 case - 6/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2008 @ £17,295 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £19,800-£22,000++) now – awaiting photos
2008 Echézeaux: (approximately 45-year-old vines from 2 different climats, 90% of which is in Les Poulaillères and the other 10% is in Clos St. Denis). A notably riper, intensely spicy, airy and extremely fresh nose blends both red and blueberry fruit aromas as well as warm earth notes that continue onto the rich, velvety and mouth-coating medium-bodied flavours that display a bit more minerality than I typically find, all wrapped in a firm, racy and driving finish that delivers outstanding length. This is a dramatically good effort because this is always very good; it is rarely great, but in 2008, it’s first rate.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2023+
1 case - 6/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2008 @ £19,795 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £21,990++) now – awaiting photos
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2008 @ £9,795 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £10,995++) now – awaiting photos
1 case – 1/150cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2008 @ £8,595 per 1 MAGNUM IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
A broad array of classic Vosne spice elements adds nuance to the super-fresh, mildly earthy dark berry and rose petal aromas. The rich, full-bodied and palate-staining big-bodied flavours flash a taut muscularity before culminating in a beautifully focused and precise finish that offers excellent persistence. Not surprisingly, at only 10 years of age, this is still very young and a wine that will need at least 5 to 8 more years of bottle age first.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2018, 2023+
1 case - 3/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Duvault Blochet’, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2009 @ £8,295 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,500++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
A classic Vosne nose that is at once very spicy and very pinot offers up ripe yet very fresh red and black berry liqueur aromas. There is fine detail and excellent precision to the seductively textured medium-bodied flavours that possess outstanding depth and seriously good length as well. This may well be the best vintage for this wine ever made, at least since modern-day production of it was recommenced in 1999. There is so much sap that it will be approachable young but age well, too.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2012)
1 case - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2010 @ £8,595 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2010 Echézeaux: (approximately 45+ year old vines from 2 different climates, 90% of which is in Les Poulaillères and the other 10% is in Clos St. Denis). Exuberant and ripe spicy purple fruit also exhibits distinct floral and warm earth nuances that go on to suffuse the rich and finely detailed medium-bodied flavours that possess excellent underlying tension before terminating in a focused, intense and gorgeously long finish. This is pure silk and lace but the really impressive aspect of this wine is just how much depth it has. A sublime knockout, particularly by the usual standards of this wine.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2022+
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2010 @ £8,595 per 3 IB & re-packed carton now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian – split 6 allocation
2010 Grands Echézeaux: (55+ year old vines). Here, the nose is noticeably more reserved, and while ripe, the dense, gorgeously complex and highly spiced aromas are rather cool. Aggressive swirling does, if only grudgingly, liberate the notes of violets and rose petals, hoisin, soy and clove, along with black pinot fruit, cassis and plum. The exceptionally rich but brooding, intense and very serious broad-shouldered flavours possess outstanding middle-weight concentration before culminating in an energetic and palate-staining finish. This stunningly long effort is also quite fine by the usual standards of the appellation because while this is certainly muscular, it’s taut and sleek rather than forbidding. The “problem”, if you want to call it that, is that this lacks the depth of the Echézeaux. I stress that I am fully cognizant about not rushing to judgment at such an early juncture, particularly given this wine’s laudatory track record of outperforming vintage in and vintage out, but at present, this is borderline one-dimensional even though all of the expected underlying material is present. What is clear is that this is extremely classy juice that will require 15 to 20 years to arrive at its full peak, though what it will be like when it arrives there is less clear than usual.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2025+
1 case - 1/150cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2011 @ £7,195 per 1 MAGNUM IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £7,995++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
A discreet touch of wood sets off the gorgeously floral, ripe, and wonderfully spicy nose of red currant, menthol, black cherry, and cassis aromas. There is impressive volume and richness to the naturally sweet, silky, and mouth-coating medium-weight flavours, which are shaped by fine-grained tannins on the firm, a complex, balanced, and strikingly persistent finale that really fans out as it lingers on the palate. This wine continues to make really impressive progress.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2014, 2023+
1 case – 1/150cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2011 @ £8,195 per 1 MAGNUM IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,995++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2 cases – 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2011 @ £7,795 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2011 Grands Echézeaux: (55+ year old vines). A brooding and still exceptionally primary nose with a wide variety of floral elements on the cassis, plum liqueur scents that display anise, clove and, once again, sandalwood hints. There is imposing
power to the large-scaled but not massive flavours that possess fine mid-palate density as well as an abundance of palate-soaking dry extract before culminating in an explosively long finish. I like the balance as well as the notable depth of material, though it will require plenty of time for it to reveal its full potential.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2028+
1 case - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2012 @ £7,195 per 3 IB & BANDED OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £7,995-£10,000++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian – photos attached
1 case - 1/150cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2012 @ £7,595 per 1 MAGNUM IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,495++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
Here, the floral and spice characters are quite prominent on the sandalwood and spice suffused red and dark currant aromas. The suave yet well-detailed medium-bodied flavours brim with dry extract before terminating in a very firm but not hard green tea-inflected finish that delivers excellent length and impressive depth. I very much like the balance, and the only nit is a hint of warmth. As I have observed several times recently, this wine continues to make real progress relative to what was typically good but not exceptional quality in the context of the appellation. 2012 definitely continues that upward progress.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan2015, 2027+
2 cases - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2012 @ £8,995 per 3 IB & OWC now –C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
A more deeply pitched and more complex nose also evidences plenty of floral influence on the gorgeously spicy red and black pinot fruit scents that are trimmed in just enough wood to notice. There is excellent volume and punch to the big-bodied, concentrated and brooding flavours that also brim with an abundance of dry extract, all wrapped in an intensely mineral-driven, explosive and strikingly persistent finish. What I find interesting is how such a big wine delivers this much power and muscle with no impression of weight or undue heaviness. As is usually the case at this early juncture, this is very tight, compact and linear, and it will need at least 18 to 20 years to reveal its full potential.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2015+
1 case - 1/150cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2013 @ £7,295 per 1 MAGNUM IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £7,995++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
A beautifully spicy, if distinctly reticent, nose features notes of cassis, plum, violets, lilac, herbal tea and sandalwood. There is excellent richness to the generously proportioned and very suave medium-bodied flavours that deliver fine depth and length on the balanced, focused and attractively vibrant finale that displays just a hint of youthful edginess. While this should age effortlessly, it should also be more approachable sooner than the Corton.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2016, 2025+
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2013 @ £8,195 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,700++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
Like the Ech, this is aromatically quite restrained, but aggressive swirling eventually coaxes an intensely floral and strikingly perfumed nose to reveal notes of elegant red berries, anise, exotic tea and softwood hints. This is very Grands Ech in character with its sleekly muscular big-bodied flavours that display outstanding intensity on the moderately austere, backward and notably more structured finale. Interestingly, this is only slightly more persistent than the Ech, though this could very well change in time as there is clearly more underlying material.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2016, 2031+
2 cases - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2014 @ £7,295 per 3 IB & OWC now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2014 Echézeaux: (approximately 45+-year-old vines from 2 different climates, 90% of which is in Les Poulaillères and the remainder is in Clos St. Denis). A wonderfully complex nose features a broad array of spice elements, including plum, violet, sandalwood, and Asian-style tea, which are also trimmed in soft wood nuances. There is a good punch to the refined, cool and pure medium-bodied flavours that possess better concentration on the balanced, persistent and youthfully austere finale, where the only nit is a very subtle hint of warmth. Of all of the wines in Domaine’s portfolio, in my view, the Ech is the most improved over the last 10 years, and it shows that 2014 is bigger and more powerful than usual.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2014 @ £8,295 per 3 IB & OWC now - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
Here, the expressive nose is even spicier and more floral with its lovely array of rose petal, lilac and lavender scents, adding elegance to the mostly dark pinot and earth aromas that are also trimmed in a bit of wood, but in this case, it is even more subtle. As is virtually always the case, this is bigger, richer, more powerful and more muscular, with excellent volume to the rich and mouth-coating flavours that deliver superb length on the chiselled, robust and hugely long finale. Patience will definitely be required.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2017, 2032+
2 cases - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2015 @ £7,695 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,800-£10,495++) now – C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
A wonderfully spicy, fresh and equally ripe nose blends together more deeply pitched notes of plum, violet, plum, sandalwood and hoisin wisps. There is impressive richness to the seductively textured yet quite powerful full-bodied flavours that possess excellent density thanks to the abundant dry extract that does a fine job of buffering the firm but not rigid tannins on the mouth coating and strikingly long finish. This is built-to-age and like the Corton, this has made huge quality strides over the past ten vintages.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2018, 2030+
2 cases - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2017 @ £6,595 per 3 IB & OWC now - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
A completely different nose offers much spicier and slightly toastier aromas of red currant, pomegranate, sandalwood, and an interesting hint of incense. There is an excellent vibrancy to the attractively textured middle-weight flavours, which don't have the minerality of the Corton but do offer slightly better depth and precision on the lingering finale, which is shaped by relatively fine-grained tannins. This should be approachable a bit earlier than usual.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, 2029+
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2017 @ £7,595 per 3 IB & OWC now - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2017 Grands Echézeaux: (from a holding of 3.53 ha of 55+ year old vines). A cooler, more elegant and equally spicy nose of mostly red fruits and Asian-style tea is wonderfully fresh if notably more restrained. As is typically the case, there is more size and weight to the broad-shouldered flavours that are shaped by firmer and slightly less fine-grained tannins on the impressively persistent finish. This is not as concentrated or powerful as it usually is, but even so, it will require at least 10 years or so of patience and should amply reward 15 to 18.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2032+
1 case - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2018 @ £6,595 per 3 IB & OWC now - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2018 Echézeaux: (from a total holding of 4.67 ha of 50+ year old vines from 2 different climats, 90% of which is in Les Poulaillères and the remainder is in Clos St. Denis). Subtle but perceptible wood toast frames the very ripe yet again quite fresh aromas of poached plum, dark currant and a broad array of spice elements. There is fine density to the bold weight plus flavours that brim with dry extract that buffers the beautifully long and youthfully austere finish that flashes a touch of sweetness. This is a big and highly complex Ech, indeed the word robust applies but I very much like the evident development potential, and speaking of which, this is also going to need extended patience.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2038+
2 cases - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2018 @ £8,695 per 3 IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,590-£9,995++) now – photo attached - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
There is also a touch of oak toast surrounding the notably ripe but markedly restrained aromas of black cherry liqueur, violet, lavender, exotic tea and sandalwood. The rich, full-bodied and muscular flavours also brim with sappy dry extract that possesses a seductive mouthfeel before culminating in a hugely long finish. Like the Echézeaux, this is a big, bold and robust effort that should develop gradually over the next 25 to 30 years. This contrast of power and refinement is potentially one of the greatest Grands Echézeaux the Domaine has produced in the 21st C, though 2019 will be a worthy rival.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2021)
1 case - 3/75cl Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2019 @ £8,695 per 3 IB & OWC now - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2019 Echézeaux: (from a total holding of 4.67 ha of 50+ year old vines from 2 different climates, 90% of which is in Les Poulaillères and the remainder is in Clos St. Denis; from yields of 23 hl/ha). An overtly spicy and agreeably cool nose combines notes of soy, star anise, clove and sandalwood with those of plum, violet and a hint of jasmine tea. There is also excellent intensity to the attractively textured medium-bodied flavours that flash seriously good length on the ever-so-mildly warm finale. This compact, dusty and moderately austere bitter pit fruit-inflected effort will need extended cellaring to arrive at its full apogee. As I noted last year, I don’t ever recall seeing a better vintage from the barrel, and all of that potential appears to have made it into the bottle. In sum, the 2019 Ech is as good as any vintage in recent memory from the domaine.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2036+
1 case - 3/75cl Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2019 @ £8,795 per 3 IB & OWC now - C&B stock bought EP stored Octavian
2019 Grands Echézeaux: (from a holding of 3.53 ha of 55+-year-old vines; from yields of 28 hl/ha). Once again, the nose is super-floral with ripe but airy and elegant aromas of various dark berries, star anise, dried tangerine peel, warm earth and a plethora of spice elements. As is virtually always the case, there is a better size, weight and muscle present in the broad-shouldered flavours that deliver stunningly good length on the equally compact and beautifully well-balanced finale. There is superb complexity, and overall, this is breathtakingly good, though, as always with this wine, be prepared to allow for ample bottle age as the supporting tannic spine is very firm. Magnificent.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2039+
1 case – 12/75cl Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 1999 @ £61,995 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £89,995++) now – photo attached – excellent provenance – rare original case bought UK EP & stored UK in bond since shipping ex-Domaine – Goedhuis allocation
(With thanks to John Orth and Henry Tang; also opened from personal storage). The '99 Bèze just continues to get better and better with every passing year. A flat-out, gorgeously complex nose is comprised of spice, earth, minerality and still fresh red and black pinot fruit aromas. There is excellent richness to the intense and beautifully well-delineated medium-bodied flavours that are blessed with plenty of mouth-coating dry extract that confers a seductive texture onto the strikingly persistent finish. Like the '99 Chambertin, while this could be drunk now, I would strongly advise holding it for at least another 5 years, and 10 would probably be better. I tasted it many times, and this only seems to go from strength to strength. In a word, exquisite. Tasted twice in both 2016 and 2017 with multiple and consistent notes since release.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, July 2017, 2024+
1 case – 12/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2004 @ £26,995 per 12 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £32,000-£42,000++) now – photo attached
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2004 @ £13,495 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now – photo available
The difference between Chambertin and Clos de Bèze is sharply etched in 2004 as this is cooler, bigger, richer, and more powerful, though less elegant, and with a more limited range of spices, specifically aromatic breadth in general. The medium full flavours are reserved, tight, precise and very pure with extraordinarily good punch and precision, all wrapped in a firm, dusty and linear finish. I particularly like the mouth coating quality of the flavours as there is ample dry extract here, which serves to perfectly buffer the firmly tannic spine. It's outstanding stuff, and while not a truly great Rousseau Chambertin, it's knocking on the door.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2007)
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2004 @ £12,995 per 6 IB & re-packed Goedhuis carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £15,500++) now – photo attached - UK allocation EP – split 12 pack UK allocation
A densely fruited and superbly complex nose of spice, earth, ripe red fruit aromas, leather and underbrush leads to rich, supple, elegant and pure flavours where the structure arrives all at once on the seriously long finish. This is not a big Bèze by the usual Rousseau standards yet the explosive finish and outstanding depth suggest that this will age well and hold for much longer.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2007)
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2006 @ £14,795 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £16,995++) now – photo available
(from yields of only 17 hl/ha in 2006) This departs from its normal expressiveness by being much more restrained and, if not backwards, then at least relatively reticent on the spicy red berry fruit nose that quietly introduces very concentrated, brooding, superbly powerful and equally well-focused flavours underpinned by very firm tannins and plenty of underlying tension as you can really sense the energy here on the youthfully austere and ever so slightly dry finish that doesn't have the same phenolic ripeness level as the Chambertin. It's interesting because this is so cool and backwards that in 2006, it's more Chambertin than Bèze. Drink: 2018+
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2009)
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2007 @ £7,295 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now - photo attached – UK allocation EP
Fresh and still youthful aromas are composed of notes of the cool essence of red berries, earth, spice, and a whiff of wood character. The round, supple, and relatively forward middle-weight flavours evidence plenty of minerality on the focused and sneaky long finish that tightens up noticeably as it sits on the palate. This well-made and utterly delicious effort isn't seductive,, but I like the delivery and balance. While it could certainly be enjoyed now, I would continue to hold it for up to another decade.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (3/2019)
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2007 @ £13,995 per 6 IB & OC12 (Lowest Wine Searcher £17,430++) now – photo available – 6 bottles in an OC 12 – UK allocation EP
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2007 @ £14,995 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £17,430++) now – photo available – UK allocation EP
By contrast to the Clos St. Jacques and the Bèze, the Cham has already eaten its wood, which allows free rein for the spicy, pure, elegant and restrained earthy red pinot fruit with animal hints and ample mineral notes to dissolve seamlessly into dusty, textured, precise and palate staining big-bodied flavours that are exceptionally tight on the linear but hugely long finish. At present, the Bèze appears to have slightly better underlying material, but we'll see in time as both are sensational, plus the Cham has a long-demonstrated ability to add weight to the bottle.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2010)
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2008 @ £8,495 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Loest Wine Searcher £9,900++) now - photo attached – UK allocation EP
The colour is just beginning to lighten at the rim. There is ample secondary influence to the spicy dried red berry scents that reflect additional notes of soft earth and a whiff of the Sauvage. There is both excellent intensity and minerality to the beautifully well-detailed middle-weight flavours that culminate in a linear, focused, sneaky, long finish that is the duty and still a bit austere. This is unlikely to ever be a seductive wine as it's shaped and defined by its acidity, but I very much like the depth of the wine. I would further note that while this could certainly be enjoyed now, there is a bit of upside potential remaining, though with that said, I wouldn't advise ageing this for the very long term as it risks becoming edgy in time.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (3/2019)
1 case – 6/75cl Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2009 @ £5,495 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,200++) now – photo attached – UK allocation EP
A high-toned and fresh nose of wild raspberries, cranberries and warm earth aromas gives way to round, supple and unusually sophisticated medium-bodied flavours that possess lovely detail on the persistent finish. This is actually less complex than the Cazetiers, though it might catch up in time.
89-92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2011
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2009 @ £19,995 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now – photo attached – UK allocation EP
2009 Chambertin: This is also ultra-pure and densely fruited with notes of anise, mint, wet stone and a Sauvage hint that introduces intensely earthy and mineral-driven big-bodied flavours that are rich, powerful, serious and densely concentrated, all wrapped in silky, palate-staining, explosive and colossally persistent finish. This is actually relatively expressive and approachable for a young Cham, yet the balance and harmony are present for this to age for decades. A brilliant effort and one of the best vintages ever for this justifiably revered wine.
98 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case – 3/75cl Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2010 @ £3,795 per 3 IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,500-£4,750++) now - photo available – UK allocation EP split OC6
2010 Clos de la Roche: A well-layered and dense nose features notes of anise, earth, underbrush, violets and both red and blue pinot fruit aromas. There is a very good volume of large-scale and dense yet quite supple flavours that possess excellent length. This is impeccably well-balanced and should require 15 years or so to arrive at its peak.
92-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2025+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £1,795 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,960-£2,300++) now – photo attached
The nose shows a touch of reduction, removing the top part of the red berry fruit and earth aromatic profile. The cool and pure flavours have a restrained character, supported by notably fine-grained tannins on the clean, balanced, and ever-so-mildly austere finish.
88-91 Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2013, 2017+
1 case – 6/75cl Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £3,195 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now – photo attached
2011 Charmes-Chambertin: (from a 1.4 ha parcel of roughly 20-year-old vines that is situated one-third in Charmes proper and the remainder in Mazoyères). In contrast to the reduction present in the prior wines, this is really quite aromatically lovely, with its expressive nose and very fresh red berry fruit, earth, and humus scents. There are the same kinds of very fine-grained tannins underpinning the opulent yet reasonably precise medium-weight flavours that culminate in a balanced and persistent if slightly less complex, finish.
89-92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2019+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £6,295 per 6 IB & OC now - photo attached – UK allocation EP - slight scuff bottle 5
2011 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos St. Jacques”: (from a 2.2 ha parcel raised in 70% new wood). Discreet wood sets off ultra-fresh and airy aromas of red currant, blueberries and plum that are trimmed in hints of wet stone and earth. There is a wonderfully refined mouth feel to the mineral-tinged middle-weight flavours that possess an appealing verve, along with superb detail on the harmonious and exceptionally persistent finish. This very firm effort is textbook Clos St, Jacques.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound //2026+
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £12,695 per 6 IB & OC now - photo attached– UK allocation EP - slight scuff marks bottle 3
1 case – 3/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011 @ £5,795 per 3 IB & re-packed carton now - photo available (Howard Ripley allocation split 6)
2011 Chambertin: This is completely different from the Bèze aromatically speaking, as here the nose is brooding and recalcitrant, and only aggressive swirling liberates fresh scents of spice, wet stone, game and dark berry fruits. There is outstanding richness to the powerful and impressively scaled flavours that possess an abundance of dry extract that imparts a velvety quality to the mid-palate while also buffering the tightly wound core of firm tannins on the driving mineral-inflected and hugely persistent finish. This is a stunner of a wine and one of the great wines of the 2011 vintage.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2028+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2012 @ £8,495 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now - photo attached – UK allocation EP
2012 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos St. Jacques”: (from a 2.2 ha parcel raised in 70% new wood). There is a deft touch of wood to the reluctant but ultra-elegant essence of red pinot fruit, floral elements and wet stone scents. This is splendidly well-detailed
with a terrific sense of underlying tension, adding energy to the medium-weight flavours that brim with a fine minerality before culminating in a balanced and stunningly long finish. This age-worthy effort is the most refined wine among these four 2012s and dances across the palate. In a word, dazzling.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2027+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2014 @ £2,495 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,670 re-pack) 3-4 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2014 @ £5,695 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,500-£10,000++) 3-4 weeks – awaiting photos
2014 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos St. Jacques”: (from a 2.2 ha parcel raised in 70% new wood). A discreet but not invisible touch of wood sets off a more deeply pitched and intensely floral nose that, in particular, displays notes of violet and lavender along with plum, black cherry, spice and gentle earth scents. There is, again, excellent volume to the sleek but powerful and concentrated middle weight plus flavours that exude a fine bead of minerality on the moderately austere finish that delivers flat-out superb persistence. While this gorgeously classy effort will also require extended keeping to reach its apogee, it contrasts with the Grands Crus in that it should be approachable after only 6 to 8 years of bottle age.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2016 @ £2,795 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,850) 3-4 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin ‘Clos du Chateau’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2016 @ £3,295 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £3,995++) now – photo attached
2016 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos du Chateau”: A pretty, fresh and agreeably layered nose combines notes of both various red berries and earth scents. The round, supple and attractively vibrant middle-weight flavours possess solid persistence if only average depth. This is certainly appealing in its fashion, but it’s much more fruit-driven than the regular cuvée.
87-89 points Allen Meadows, Burghound/2022+
1 case – 6/75cl Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru ‘Clos des Ruchottes’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2016 @ £5,095 per 6 IB & OC now – photos attached
2016 Ruchottes-Chambertin – Clos des Ruchottes: (20% new wood). A highly appealing freshness to the elegant aromas of red and dark berries that are at once intensely earthy and spicy. In the same fashion, there is a lovely sense of verve and freshness to the markedly mineral-driven medium-bodied flavours that possess first-rate delineation on the sleek, youthfully austere and sneaky long finish. This is really quite classy and has already developed impressive depth. While this clearly has the intrinsic stuffing to reward extended cellaring, 5-ish years or so should be sufficient in order to enjoy this beauty if youthful fruit is your preference.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2036+
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2017 @ £13,495 per 6 IB & OWC now - photo attached – rare original wooden case
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2017 @ £15,495 per 6 IB & OC now - photos available
2017 Chambertin: (2.55 ha; 100% new wood). Discreet wood is present on the ultra-fresh and incredibly spicy, though even more restrained nose that reflects notes of red berries, Sauvage, earth, floral and exotic tea wisps. The gorgeous mouthfeel of the imposingly constituted and admirably concentrated flavours is one of the contrasts as the mid-palate is quite supple, yet the powerful, driving, austere and muscular finish is robust, serious and austere. This almost painfully intense wine is jaw droppingly good and somewhat curiously relative to how the Chambertin and the Clos de Bèze typically show at this stage, the Chambertin is the flashier of the two. We’ll see in time, though, as it’s usually the Chambertin that goes into a shell only to emerge 20+ years later. Be that as it may, today, this is a genuine ‘wow’ wine.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2037+
1 case – 6/75cl Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2018 @ £4,295 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now – photo attached
2018 Charmes-Chambertin: (from a 1.47 ha holding of roughly 25+-year-old vines that combines .61 ha in Charmes with .86 ha in Mazoyères; this is now seeing 20% new wood as of 2017 whereas before it saw none). A very ripe yet still quite fresh nose is comprised of notes of plum liqueur, newly turned earth, violet and a whiff of the sauvage, all of which are trimmed in just enough wood to mention. The exceptionally rich and enveloping medium-weight flavours possess very fine concentration while displaying impressive power on the mildly rustic finale. This is notably more robust and structured than usual.
91-94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2035+
1 case – 6/75cl Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru ‘Clos des Ruchottes’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2018 @ £4,595 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks
2018 Ruchottes-Chambertin – Clos des Ruchottes: (1.06 ha; 20% new wood). An absolutely gorgeous nose reflects cool and pure aromas of the essence of red berry liqueur, spice and soft floral scents. The lilting and mineral-driven middle-weight flavours retain excellent delineation and a sophisticated mouthfeel, while the sneaky long, if decidedly firm, finish possesses outstanding complexity. This Zen-like effort is also exceptionally promising.
93-95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2038+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin ‘Clos du Chateau’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2020 @ £2,695 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £3,240 loose++) now
Very fresh aromas include those of various dark berries and just-turned-earth. The delicious middle-weight flavours possess very good verve and nice detail on the solidly complex and persistent finish. After an initial period where this lagged consistently behind the regular Gevrey cuvée, it is beginning to round into form.
89-91 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2022, 2027+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Lavaux St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2021 @ £2,795 per 6 IB & OC now
A spicy, if restrained, and exceptionally cool nose grudgingly gives up its aromas of red and dark currant, the Sauvage, newly turned earth, and hummus. The racy yet dense and powerful big-bodied flavors flash excellent minerality on the beautifully long and chiseled finale. This could use better depth, but the Rousseau LSJ has a fine aging track record. There is fine potential here.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2024
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Subject to remaining unsold and final invoice confirmation. E&OE.