Fine Wine Update 30/10
For all enquiries, photos, etc, please contact david@corkingwines.co.uk
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Les Suchots’, Domaine Prieure-Roch 2019 @ £3,095 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,020++) 6-8 weeks
2 cases – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee 1er Cru ‘Les Suchots’, Domaine Prieure-Roch 2021 @ £2,395 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,530++) 6-8 weeks
4 cases – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Le Clos des Varoilles’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Prieure Roch 2021 @ £1,595 per 6 IB & OC 6-8 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Vosne Romanee ‘Le Clos Goillotte’, Domaine Prieure Roch 2021 @ £4,895 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £5,700++) 6-8 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin ‘Clos de Beze’ Grand Cru, Domaine Prieure Roch 2021 @ £5,195 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £6,000++) 6-8 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2013 @ £3,995 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,920++) 6-8 weeks
2013 Clos de la Roche: (from a 1.48 ha holding, 1 ha of which is in Les Fremières and the rest in Clos de la Roche proper; 10% new wood). An unusually high-toned nose comprises an array of red berry fruit, earth and Asian-style tea nuances. There is really lovely detail and vibrancy to the middle-weight flavours that exude a fine bead of minerality on the restrained and lingering finish. This delivers surprisingly good flavour authority, given that this is not nearly as concentrated as the best in the range. In sum, this is a beautifully well-delineated wine of harmony, if not power, that should reward mid to longer-term ageing as the supporting tannins are also dense but fine.
91-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2025+
2 cases – 6/75cl Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2022 @ £2,995 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £3,250++) 6-8 weeks – Latest release
There is just enough wood present to frame the spicy aromas of poached plum, warm earth, and an array of floral nuances, especially violet and lilac. The gorgeously textured and punchy middleweight plus flavours also brim with dry extract on the firm, serious, youthfully austere, and hugely long finale. This is potentially terrific with the development potential to match.
93-95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2024, 2034+
1 case – 6/75cl Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru ‘Clos des Ruchottes’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2022 @ £4,195 per 6 IB & OC 6-8 weeks – 2020 £5,900 – Latest release
There is also just enough to notice setting off the cooler, airier and more elegant nose of the essence of wild red currant truffle and wet stone. The super-sleek and almost painfully intense, intensely mineral-driven, tautly muscular flavours display focused power on the more obviously austere, focused and hugely long finale. This beautifully balanced effort should amply repay extended keeping.
93-96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2024, 2037+
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2022 @ £14,795 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £17,586++) 6-8 weeks – Latest release
As is often the case, this possesses the spiciest nose in the range, with its perfumed and airy array of red and blue pinot fruit, exotic tea, star anise, and discreet floral nuances, all of which are trimmed in moderate wood. The big-bodied flavours possess excellent density, with a texture that is perhaps even finer than that of the Chambertin while delivering equally fine persistence. This is a seriously classy Bèze with the potential to deliver 15 to 20 years of upside development. Brilliant.
95-98 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2024, 2037+
2 cases – 6/75cl Cotes de Nuits Villages, Domaine Denis Bachelet 2022 @ £335 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £372 loose++) 6-8 weeks
6 cases – 6/75cl Bourgogne Blanc ‘Initiales B.B’, Domaine Bernard-Bonin 2021 @ £875 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,001++) 6-8 weeks
5 cases – 6/75cl Meursault ‘La Rencontre’, Domaine Bernard-Bonin 2021 @ £1,495 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,570++) 6-8 weeks – Formerly ‘VV’
2 cases – 6/75cl Bourgogne Aligote, Domaine Roulot 2021 @ £320 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £350++) 6-8 weeks
Smoke-tinged aromas include spices, green apples, and various citrus elements. The delicious and vibrant middleweight flavours have a beguiling texture and terminate in an agreeably dry, clean, and bitter lemon-inflected finish. It has good quality here and is worth considering.
87 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, June 2023, 2026+
2 cases – 6/75cl Puligny Montrachet, Domaine Jacques Carillon 2021 @ £335 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £350++) 6-8 weeks
4 cases – 6/75cl Puligny Montrachet, Domaine Jacques Carillon 2022 @ £350 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £395++) 6-8 weeks
2 cases – 6/75cl Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru ‘Champ Canet’, Domaine Jacques Carillon 2022 @ £620 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £650++) 6-8 weeks
A discreet application of wood sets off cool and layered aromas of the essence of white orchard fruit, citrus confit and acacia blossom. Again, there is fine richness to the medium-bodied flavours that retain better detail on the mineral-driven and focused finish that delivers a sneaky, good length. This isn't exactly chiselled, but it's close and a wine that should repay up to a decade of keeping.
91-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, June 2023, 2029+
4 cases – 1/150cl Sancerre ‘Clos la Neore’, Domaine Anne Vatan 2019 @ £425 per 1 MAGNUM IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £500++) 6-8 weeks
2 cases – 1/150cl Sancerre ‘Clos la Neore’, Domaine Anne Vatan 2020 @ £465 per 1 MAGNUM IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £570-£820++) 6-8 weeks
1 case – 3/150cl Sancerre ‘Clos la Neore’, Domaine Anne Vatan 2021 @ £1,395 per 3 MAGNUMS IB & OWC 6-8 weeks
2 cases – 12/75cl Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Reserve des Celestins’, Domaine Henri Bonneau, Rhone 2018 @ £2,195 per 12 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,836++) 6-8 weeks
1 case – 3/150cl Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Reserve des Celestins’, Domaine Henri Bonneau, Rhone 2018 @ £1,175 per 3 MAGS IB & OWC 6-8 weeks
10 cases – 6/75cl Champagne Egly-Ouriet Brut ‘Tradition’ NV @ £345 per 6 IB & OC 6-8 weeks
2 cases – 6/75cl Champagne Egly-Ouriet 1er Cru ‘Les Vignes de Bisseuil’ Extra Brut NV @ £360 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £397-£600++) 6-8 weeks
5 cases – 6/75cl Champagne Egly-Ouriet Brut ‘Les Premices’ Brut NV @ £245 per 6 IB & OC 6-8 weeks
3 cases – 6/75cl Champagne Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru Brut ‘Millesime’ 2014 @ £1,650 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,700++) 6-8 weeks
One of the very finest wines produced in this less heralded vintage is Egly's 2014 Brut Grand Cru Millésime, a strikingly vinous and enveloping Champagne that wafts from the glass with aromas of pear, mirabelle plum, freshly baked bread, almond paste and honeycomb. Full-bodied, satiny and layered, its textural attack segues into a deep, concentrated mid-palate of exceptional purity and cut, concluding with a long, penetrating and mouthwateringly saline finish. As ever, it's a blend of some 70% Pinot Noir with 30% Chardonnay from Ambonnay's greatest terroirs.
97 points William Kelley, Wine Advocate, December 2023
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1995 @ £17,495 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £19,995++) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached
Light but not totally bricking. There is a hint of stems on the otherwise attractively spicy and perfumed aromas of secondary red berry fruit nuances and sandalwood hints. The medium-bodied flavours possess plenty of vibrancy and solid mid-palate concentration while being supported by largely if not completely, resolved tannins on the lingering finish. For my taste, this is drinking about as well as it's going to, yet as I suggest, my sense is that this should hold at this mature level for many years to come. In sum, this is not a great DRC RSV, but I like it. Tasted multiple times with mostly consistent notes ranging between 92 and 93 points.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2017
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1995 @ £10,295 per 3 IB & OWC6 now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – 3 bottles in original OWC6 – photos available
This, too, is reserved and restrained with an almost completely closed nose that reveals only glimpses of fresh black fruit even after extended aeration. The flavours, however, are rich and offer excellent detail. Dense yet ripe tannins and good extracts underpin them. I very much like the style of this, though it is clearly for the patient, and I suspect this will always have a rather strict personality. This has put on a bit of weight and a bit of richness since the big Richebourg tasting in '01 and appears to be better balanced than the prior bottle, but otherwise, it is quite similar.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Nov 2003, 2010+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1997 @ £10,395 per 3 IB & OWC6 now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – 3 bottles in original OWC6
An expressive nose amply reflects the ripeness of the '97 vintage with its floral and spicy blackberry fruit aromas, which are elegant and refined while transitioning into rich, sweet, and full-bodied flavours. These flavours possess good muscle and solid if not sensational, depth and length. In sum, this is a quality '97 that should benefit from another five or so years in the cellar.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2008, 2012+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1998 @ £22,695 per 6 IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £24,500-£25,995++) now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
Young Richebourg can often be quite tight and reserved, but this was quite expressive, with soy, hoisin, and black pinot fruits and a multilayered flavour profile of good intensity, detail, and exceptional length. It is very concentrated with medium-sized tannins.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2001
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1999 @ £32,995 per 6 IB & OWC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £39,995++) now – photos attached – rare original case bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This hasn't budged much since it was bottled and remains almost opaque with a notably ripe and gorgeously multidimensional nose of black cherries, spice and earth. The broad-shouldered and impressively scaled medium-weight-plus flavours are bold and overtly muscular, while the finish retains a sense of robust power and stunning length. At age 17 the '99 Richebourg is clearly signaling that it will require 20 to 25 years to really be at its peak. At the same time, there is sufficient mid-palate sap to at least make it approachable sooner, perhaps in seven to 10 years. I believe 1999 is one of the great vintages for this fabled wine. Many consistent notes save for one bottle that displayed an annoying amount of brett.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2017, 2024+
I was blown away by the 1999 Richebourg, an extraordinary, dense, ruby/purple-coloured offering. It boasts a magnificent perfume of framboise, blackberries, and currants, as well as a sweet, buttery, woody component underlying black and red fruit flavours kissed by toasty oak. In the mouth, gamy, fleshy characteristics intertwined with violets, liquorice, and black fruits are liqueur-like. Ripe, rich, and dense, with spectacular purity and equilibrium, this mind-boggling effort should be at its peak in 2-4 years and last for 15-20.
100 points Robert Parker, Hedonists Gazette, Oct 2003
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2000 @ £17,495 per 6 IB & OWC 2-3 weeks – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – some tissue-stained labels – photos available
(Opened from personal storage). Some light bricking, though, with a deep ruby core. There is a suggestion of sous-bois lurking in the background of the mostly secondary nose of ripe dark berry pinot fruit, plenty of spice and hints of dried rose petals and sandalwood. I very much like the texture and verve of the strikingly complex medium-weight flavours that exhibit fine length on the balanced finale. For my taste, this has just now arrived at its peak, though it should be capable of holding here for many years to come. I tasted it a number of times over the years, and while I have had largely consistent experiences, there was one bottle that was quite badly reduced and required several hours of aeration.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2023, now+
1 case – 6/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2000 @ £21,795 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £25,350-£26,495++) now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
An exuberantly spicy and notably ripe nose displays discreet notes of torrefaction and roasted espresso beans on the overtly floral-suffused aromas. The muscular flavours are supported by ripe tannins and plenty of minerality, both of which carry over to the dusty, complex and solidly long finish. This is really quite regal, and in 2000, it's more of a middleweight than its normal massive and quite firmly structured character. For my taste, this is nearly ready and should only need another 3 to 5 years to arrive at its apogee. Tasted multiple times with largely consistent notes.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2019, 2023+
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £18,695 per 6 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached
This hasn't come my way since 2009 in large format, though I have a more recent note from 750 ml herein. The nose remains highly aromatic, indeed almost kaleidoscopic in the sheer breadth of aromas, but the spice is so remarkable, cut with floral and stem hints that add depth. The medium-bodied flavours are quite fine with beautiful detail; indeed, they are chiselled and have a drop-dead gorgeous velvety texture that is soft in the middle yet still moderately firm on the exceptionally long, if ever-so-mildly bitter finish. The overall character is discreet and understated, and in classic RSV fashion, this is built along the lines of elegance and finesse. In large format, this is still on the way up, and I would suggest holding it for another 8 to 10 years.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2023
1 case – 1/150cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2002 @ £10,195 per 1 MAGNUM IB & re-packed C&B carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £13,395++) now – photo attached– bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – split allocation 3 magnum case
(Fashioned with <70% whole clusters). I had not tried the '02 Riche in several years, so it was interesting to see how it's progressing. The expressive, though very cool, nose is finally beginning to display the initial hints of maturity with the classic dried rose petal and spice nuances, adding both elegance and breadth to the pretty mix of red fruit and plum scents. There is a beguiling mouth feel to the intensely mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavours that are at once powerful but sleek, all wrapped in a muscular and palate-staining finish. The refined palate impression is considerably enhanced by the dense but extremely fine tannins, in fact, so much so that while this is still very clearly on the way up, it could actually be drunk now with pleasure. That said, I would still strongly advise holding this strikingly pretty effort for another 6 to 10 years first. I should note that while I have had relatively consistent notes over the years, occasionally, I land on a bottle that seems herbaceous and almost vegetal; why this variation occurs isn't clear, but nonetheless, it does happen.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Oct 2016, 2020+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2003 @ £9,795 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2003 @ £19,595 per 6 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
(With thanks to Pat Dukes). This is surprisingly fresh and elegant with its pretty floral and overtly spicy notes that add nuance to the ripe but not roasted black fruit aromas. While clearly well-concentrated and powerful, there is fine precision, refinement and purity to the strikingly complex and vibrant flavours that are supple on the mid-palate but quite firm on the finish. There is the barest trace of warmth, but it's a background note, and overall, this is superbly classy juice. In the context of what is typical for the DRC RSV, this is a big but stylish wine that should live for years. Indeed, it is still very much on the way up - patience! Note that in July 2017, I had a bottle that displayed noticeable brett, and it was enough to detract from the overall sense of freshness.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jul 2016
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2004 @ £8,395 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached
A deft touch of wood frames exuberantly expressive and luxurious black fruit nose nuanced by a huge range of spices, including anise, clove and cinnamon, with notes of tea and hoisin as well. The moderately full flavours are sappy, rich and sweet, with ample volume and a palate-drenching finish that benefits from an underlying sense of vibrancy. There is real energy here, which seems to collect and focus the flavours. There is a mild trace of dryness, though it's presently not enough to upset the balance materially. Overall, this is terrific stuff and exceptionally long, with virtually no trace of vegetal character on either the nose or the finish.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jun 2009, 2016+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2004 @ £10,195 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This is in the same stylistic camp as the Grands Echézeaux as it is surprisingly understated and subtle with an intensely floral nose of red and black fruit aromas that are nuanced and beautifully elegant, merging seamlessly into linear, reserved, indeed almost brooding flavours that are as once supple yet precise and detailed, all wrapped in a powerful and muscular finish that delivers striking length. This is a really interesting wine because it's a wine of contrasts, yet it works because there is a gorgeous combination of finesse and power, and again, I really like the sense of drive and energy here, as well as the first-rate balance. A terrific '04.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 07, 2016+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2005 @ £9,995 per 3 IB & OWC now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
(With thanks to Henry Tang). An incredibly perfumed and supremely elegant, if notably ripe, nose features notes of various black fruit scents that are replete with soy, hoisin, clove and anise nuances. There is outstanding power and richness to the refined, detailed and still quite firmly structured flavours that culminate in a precise, pure and driving finish that goes on and on. This is a really impressive effort that offers terrific potential, but fans of this wine should note that it is arguably more masculine than it usually is yet, at the same time, utterly seamless. In sum, this is arguably the finest RSV that the Domaine has ever produced, though one that will indisputably require extended ageing. Tasted twice in 2019 with similar notes.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2019, 2030+
1 case - 2/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2005 @ £7,595 per 2 IB & OWC2 (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,495-£8,966++) now – photos attached – Rare 2 pack OWC, sequential bottles
Initially, this was quite firmly reduced, though after 15 minutes or so of aeration, vigorous swirling coaxes ripe but fresh and superbly elegant aromas that include red, black, blue and violet scents and seemingly a full cupboard of Asian spices to reveal themselves. The robust, extremely rich, full-bodied and naturally sweet flavours are quite floral on the palate and culminate in a detailed and immensely long finish where the tannic spine is firm but not hard. For now, this is definitely a wine to leave buried in the back of your cellar, but when it is finally ready, it will be brilliant.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (3/2019)
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2006 @ £7,395 per 3 IB & re-packed carton 2-3 weeks – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
(With thanks to Pat Dukes). An elegant, fresh, ripe and still quite restrained yet overtly spicy nose displays notes that run toward the plum and blueberry side of the fruit spectrum, along with plenty of floral nuances. The solidly structured and very serious middle weight flavours possess good density and punch before culminating in a still youthfully austere finish that delivers very fine depth and length on the linear, precise and balanced. Regarding drinkability, this is still very much on the way up. While it is certainly interesting to see how a wine like the '06 RSV is developing, it is still much too early to crack any bottles, and indeed, I would not suggest doing so for at least another 6 to 10 years. Tasted several times with consistent notes except for one bottle that displayed a touch of Brett on the nose but not on the finish.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jul 2016, 2023+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2006 @ £9,395 per 3 IB & OWC6 now – photos attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – 3 bottles in original OWC6 – sequential numbers
This is initially quite fragrant and expressive, but the longer that the wine sat in the glass, the more it progressively shut down, and a great deal of swirling was necessary to liberate the mostly red berry fruit aromas that are liberally laced with a broad range of spice and floral elements, in particular, rose petal. The broad-shouldered flavours possess a beguiling texture even though the supporting structure makes itself felt very quickly on the firm but not hard finish that goes on and on. While this is still clearly extremely young, 2006 is one of the few vintages of the DRC Richebourg with less than 15 years of age that could be reasonably approached now, though I stress that there is still considerable upside development potential remaining. In a word, terrific. Tasted thrice in the several years with consistent results. Note that the last bottle was decanted for one hour in advance, and while it was still very youthful, it was also reasonably accessible.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr 2017, 2026+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2007 @ £8,595 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
(With thanks to Joe Wong and Bonnie Wai). A maturing and ultra-elegant, pure and quite delicately fruited nose is exceptionally spicy and floral in character. The refined and seductively textured, detailed and delineated middle weight flavours possess laser-like focus on the energetic, complex and strikingly long finish. This is an unqualified success for the 2007 vintage, and I was seriously impressed with its overall sense of harmony, grace and class. Note that this is already drinking well, though I would be inclined to hold it for a few more years first.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Aug 2020, 2025+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2007 @ £9,795 per 3 IB & OWC (SIB) now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
A much more restrained, even taciturn nose that is actually quite ripe, spicy, fresh and diaphanous features primarily floral-infused red berry, mineral and Asian spice aromas that merge gracefully into supple, round and tautly muscled broad-shouldered flavours that are almost as pure as those of the RSV, all wrapped in a detailed, focused and almost painfully intense finish brimming with minerality and striking length. This is a karate champion of a wine that isn't especially big, but the power and authority of the punch are hard to believe. I suspect that even though the '07 Riche will not be a long-distance runner by the standards that are typical here, this will be a late bloomer in terms of permitting a true assessment of its character and potential, meaning at least a decade.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2010, 2021+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2010 @ £10,195 per 3 IB & OWC now– bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2010 Romanée St. Vivant: (this vineyard is presently divided into fourths by the Domaine, and one section is never used, another is always used, and the remaining two are evaluated and added or not as quality dictates; generally, the amount held out amounts to 1.5 ha). All that I could think when I first put my nose in the glass was, “Wow!” as the airy and very cool nose of ultra-elegant spice, floral and herbal nuances greeted me. Add to this plenty of attractive nuances to the kaleidoscopically layered red currant and plum-suffused aromas, and you have something pretty special. This is, not surprisingly, much more refined than the Grands Ech, as the supporting tannins on the silky middle-weight flavours are extremely fine-grained yet notably dense as the explosive finish is quite firm. Despite the tightly wound structure, the overall impression of the mouthfeel is one of delicacy and ultimate refinement. This should be a particularly excellent vintage for what has become one of the stars of this gorgeously deep portfolio of wines.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2025+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2011 @ £9,195 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This is certainly one of, if not the, most floral wines in the 2011 range, with the possible exception of the Richebourg. The extraordinarily elegant and airy nose is positively kaleidoscopic in its sheer breadth of spice elements that combine with the stunningly pure red and black raspberry fruit aromas that are liberally laced with rose petal nuances. The lacy, intense and beautifully precise middle weight flavours are harmonious and impeccably well-balanced on the fabulously long and silky finish where a touch of youthful asperity is present. This should be terrific in time.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2014, 2026+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2012 @ £9,295 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This is notably more elegant with its pure and exquisitely perfumed and markedly floral nose that displays a huge array of Vosne-style spice elements and a trace of oak. There is an ultra-refined mouth feel to the equally pure, intense, detailed and lilting medium-bodied flavours that appear to possess a bit more volume than usual before culminating in a penetrating and intense finish that is also quite compact and linear at present. The underlying reserves of the dry extract are undeniably deep and buffer the firm but not hard tannic spine well; overall, this is a wine of grace and harmony. It's interesting as the mouthfeel is light, indeed almost delicate, yet the flavour authority is remarkable; it is the epitome of what I like to describe as power without weight.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2015, 2027+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2013 @ £8,195 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
Here, the subtly oaked nose is not only more expressive but also more floral and perfumed, with its elegant and airy array of highly spiced red currant, herbal tea, and sandalwood scents. There is a silky texture to the wonderfully precise, tight, intense and vibrant medium-weight flavours that possess really lovely good complexity, all wrapped in a gorgeously persistent finale.
93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2016, 2030+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2013 @ £9,495 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £10,250++) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached – Liv-Ex last trade £9,395 – 15th Oct
2013 Richebourg: A distinctly cool and restrained nose is comprised of notes of both red and dark currant, cinnamon, violet, Pekoe tea, clove, hoisin and noticeable wood treatment. The imposingly-scaled, concentrated and almost painfully intense mineral-driven flavours possess a beguiling inner mouth perfume that continues onto the robust, earthy, dusty and moderately austere finish that, somewhat curiously, is noticeably shorter than usual. This dense, structured and ultra-serious effort feels as though it is only beginning to take shape, and as such, my score offers the benefit of the doubt that this will come together with time in a bottle, of which I underscore that plenty will be required.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2033+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2014 @ £7,695 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2014 Romanée St. Vivant: A deft but not invisible application of wood sets off the airy, cool and strikingly elegant nose that is composed of notes of both red and dark currant, a wide range of floral and spice elements, as well as Asian-style tea scents. The refined and caressing middle-weight flavours possess a sleek and cool mouth feel while retaining good definition on the firm but well-balanced and sneaky long finish that exhibits a bit less finesse than usual, even if it is still quite fine.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound/2029+
2 cases – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2014 @ £9,795 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2014 Richebourg: This is perhaps the most floral wine in the 2014 range. Plus, it’s even spicier than the RSV, if not the La Tâche, with its rose petal, violet, lilac, Asian spice, sandalwood, dark berry liqueur and lavender-scented nose. Not surprisingly, this is both bigger and richer than the RSV, with excellent muscle and intensity to the mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavours that deliver stunningly good complexity on the impressively concentrated but seamlessly well-balanced finale that really fans out as it sits on the palate. While this is certainly robust, the 2014 Riche displays a bit more refinement than usual at this early stage of its development.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2034+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2015 @ £9,195 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2015 Romanée St. Vivant: This is more restrained still, though aggressive swirling eventually coaxes the gorgeously broad-ranging nose to reveal an even more floral and spicier mélange of red and dark currant, Asian-style tea, anise, clove, cinnamon and sandalwood scents. The equally pure, naturally sweet, precise and beautifully detailed medium-bodied flavours maintain their focus from the mid-palate to the dazzlingly long and palate-staining linear finish that just goes on and on. However, as silky as the palate impression is, there is plenty of supporting structure, and this, too, will require a long snooze in a cold cellar before it will be completely ready for prime time. Textbook RSV.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2030+
3 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2016 @ £9,295 per 3 IB & OWC (SIB) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached
A more restrained and cooler nose reflects super-fresh and floral-inflected aromas of exceptionally spicy red and dark currant, violet, plum and tea. There is a highly refined mouthfeel to the almost lacy yet concentrated middle-weight flavours that possess first-rate complexity on the balanced and wonderfully persistent if youthfully austere finish. This crunchy effort is class in a glass, emphasising finesse, which differs from Corton's evident power and punch. Textbook built-to-age RSV.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2019, 2034+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2017 @ £7,695 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2017 Romanée St. Vivant: (from an incredible 5.29 ha holding). A markedly floral and very finely nuanced nose almost timidly reflects notes of rose petal, violet, red currant, sandalwood, tangerine peel and a whisper of anise. The sleek and strikingly refined medium-bodied flavours culminate in a sneaky long if decidedly compact, and quite serious finish that is presently on the youthfully austere side. This is an exercise in lace and grace, though not one without plenty of punch.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2032+
1 case – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2017 @ £9,695 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2017 Richebourg: (from a holding of 3.51 ha in both Richebourg proper and Les Verroilles). A discreet application of wood frames the even more complex and spicier nose of relatively high-toned, cool and airy aromas of red berries, violet, rose petal, orange pekoe tea and a hint of leather. The sleek, intense and sophisticated middle weight plus flavours brim with both minerality and dry extract that buffers the slightly firmer tannic spine, shaping the hugely long, powerful and beautifully harmonious finale. It would be fair to observe that this isn’t the most concentrated Richebourg the Domaine has ever produced, but it is one that should age effortlessly in its balance. In sum, this is a highly refined and elegant Riche with a positively gorgeous mouthfeel.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2035+
1 case - 12/75cl Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Les Vaucrains’, Domaine Bertrand Ambroise 2010 @ £695 per 12 IB & OC now
2010 Nuits St. Georges “Vaucrains”: (from 50+-year-old vines aged in 100% new wood). A generously oaked nose fights a bit with the otherwise quite ripe aromas of cassis, plum, earth and that hallmark animal nuance of a classic Vaucrains. The broad-shouldered flavours possess exceptionally good richness with excellent mid-palate concentration, all wrapped in a powerful and palate-saturating finish. This profound effort delivers outstanding length, and the underlying material is so strong that it should eventually be able to integrate the wood.
91-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2018+
1 case – 6/75cl Marsannay Rose, Domaine Bruno Clair 2014 @ £60 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £180++) now – photo attached
6 cases – 6/75cl Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits ‘Cuvee Maelie’, Domaine Jean Tardy 2016 @ £95 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £135-£215++) now - 2021 £165++
2016 Bourgogne – Hautes Côtes de Nuits Cuvée Maëlie: A ripe and agreeably fresh nose reflects notes of plum, dark currant and plenty of earth character. The racy, intense and solidly concentrated flavours brim with a minerality that carries over to the rustic and delicious finish. This is sufficiently structured to need a few years of bottle age first.
86-88 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2020+
1 case – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Les Pruliers’, Domaine Henri Gouges 2016 @ £395 per 6 IB & OC now
2016 Nuits St. Georges “Les Pruliers”: (a 2 ha parcel with a mix of 80% 75+ year old vines and the remainder of 15 to 20 year old vines). A beautifully layered nose offers up notes of both red and black pinot fruit, spice, warm earth and evident sauvage nuances. The rich, delicious and caressing medium-weight plus flavours possess a velvety mid-palate mouthfeel that contrasts somewhat with the very firm, saline and lingering finish. This is muscular but not really rustic.
91-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2028+
1 case – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Les Perrieres’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2017 @ £860 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £900++) 2-3 weeks
4 cases – 6/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Hemisphere Sud’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2018 @ £195 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Hemisphere Nord’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2018 @ £195 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks
2 cases – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Les Vaucrains’, Domaine Henri Gouges 2018 @ £520 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £550-£600++) now
2018 Nuits St. Georges “Les Vaucrains”: (from a 1.08 ha mix of younger and older vines that average about 50+ years of age). The cough drop and spice-inflected black fruit aromas flirt with volatile acidity. The rich, bold, powerful and full-bodied flavours possess excellent mid-palate concentration before culminating in a very firm, rustic and serious finish where a touch of warmth emerges. This robust effort is vaguely syrah-like, and while it is perfectly good in its fashion, I can’t say that it appeals to me.
89-92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound/2033+
4 cases – 6/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Hemisphere Sud’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2019 @ £190 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Hemisphere Nord’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2019 @ £190 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £189-£300++) 2-3 weeks
2 cases – 12/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Cuvee Etienne Camuzet’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2019 @ £435 per 12 IB & OC 2-3 weeks
5 cases – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges ‘Les Lavieres’ TVV (1920), Domaine Jean Chauvenet 2019 @ £250 per 6 IB & OC now – photo available
5 cases – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Clos des Corvees’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Prieure Roch 2020 @ £2,275 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £2,475++) now
6 cases – 6/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Hemisphere Nord’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2020 @ £190 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £238++) 2-3 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Clos de la Marechale’ MONOPOLE, Domaine J-F Mugnier 2021 @ £570 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £565 duty paid-£1,050++) 6-8 weeks
2021 Nuits St. Georges “Clos de la Maréchale”: This, too, is elegant and pure if slightly more deeply pitched with its aromas of both red and dark currant laced with freshly turned earth. Once again, there is excellent verve and detail to the medium-weight flavours that also possess an appealing texture, if not quite the same finesse on the bitter pit fruit and a youthfully austere finale that is slightly more structured.
88-91 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2029+
1 case – 6/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Cuvee Etienne Camuzet’, Domaine Meo-Camuzet 2021 @ £220 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £220++) 2-3 weeks
5 cases – 6/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Hemisphere Nord’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2021 @ £195 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks
5 cases – 6/75cl Bourgogne Rouge ‘Hemisphere Sud’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2021 @ £195 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £240++) 2-3 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Les Perrieres’, Meo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs 2021 @ £770 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks
2 cases – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges ‘Les Fleurieres’, Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron 2021 @ £270 per 6 IB & OC 6-8 weeks
2 cases – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges ‘Les Fleurieres’, Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron 2022 @ £270 per 6 IB & OC 6-8 weeks
2 cases – 6/75cl Nuits St Georges 1er Cru ‘Clos des Forets St Georges’ MONOPOLE, Domaine de L’Arlot 2022 @ £460 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £480++) 6-8 weeks
1 case – 6/75cl Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru ‘Clos de la Marechale’ MONOPOLE, Domaine J-F Mugnier 2022 @ £625 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £650++) 6-8 weeks
This is the ripest wine in the range, yet the dark berry fruit and earth-suffused nose remain nicely fresh. The succulent, round, and caressing but punchy medium-bodied flavours deliver solid length on the mildly warm and rustic finale that is both firm and complex. Some patience will be necessary.
90-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2024, 2032+
Payment Terms – Strictly 14 days on invoice for physical stocks (payment upon landing for later arrivals), and prior to stock transfer. Offered ex-LCB Tilbury deliveries to other bonds charged at cost.
Subject to remaining unsold and final invoice confirmation. E&OE.
