Domaine Armand Rousseau Selection Plus DRC Romanee St Vivant Richebourg Selection
For all enquiries, please contact davcid@corkingwines.co.uk
Please see the following Domaine Armand Rousseau selection, which is all offered at the best prices in the market. Available ex-LCB Tilbury (lead times below). *We do not offer USA slip-label stocks from Asia or wines of questionable provenance and sources.
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
(Thanks to John Orth and Henry Tang; also opened from personal storage). The '99 Bèze continues to improve 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 2016 and 2017 with multiple consistent notes since release.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, July 2017, 2024+
1 case – 12/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2004 @ £25,695 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 @ £12,895 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 and aromatic breadth in general. The medium full flavours are reserved, tight, precise and very pure with perfect 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 buffer the firmly tannic spine perfectly. 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 @ £12,895 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 flavors 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 @ £14,495 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 backward, then at least relatively reticent on the spicy red berry fruit nose that quietly introduces very concentrated, brooding, superbly powerful and equally well-focused flavors 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 backward 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 by notes of cool essence of red berries, earth, spice and a whiff of wood character. The round, supple and relatively forward middle weight flavors 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 and 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 @ £14,495 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 @ £15,495 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 animale hints and ample mineral notes to dissolve seamlessly into dusty, textured, precise and palate staining big-bodied flavors 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 in bottle.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound (1/2010)
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2008 @ £7,395 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) now - photo attached – UK allocation EP
The color 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 flavors that culminate in a linear, focused and sneaky long finish that is 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 on offer. 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 aging 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 @ £5,295 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 flavors 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 @ £20,195 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 flavors that are rich, powerful, serious and densely concentrated, all wrapped in a silky, palate staining, explosive and colossally persistent finish. This is actually relatively expressive and approachable for a young Cham yet the balance and harmony is 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 @ £3,495 per 3 IB & re-packed carton (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,295-£4,750++) now - photo attached – 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 very good volume to the large-scaled and dense yet quite supple flavors 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 @ £1,695 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £1,850-£2,300++) now – photo attached
There is a touch of reduction to the nose that takes out the top part of the red berry fruit and earth aromatic profile. There is a restrained character to the cool and pure flavors that are 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 @ £4,295 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,995++) now – photo available
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 of 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 flavors 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 ultrafresh and airy aromas of red currant, blue berries 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 flavors 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 @ £11,795 per 6 IB & OC now - photo attached– UK allocation EP - slight scuff marks bottle 3
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 flavors 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 @ £8,295 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,690++) 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 flavors that brim with a fine minerality before culminating in a balanced and stunningly long finish. This ageworthy 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 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2013 @ £4,195 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £4,920++) 2-3 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 is comprised by a pretty array of red berry fruit, earth and Asian style tea nuances. There is really lovely detail and vibrancy to the middle weight flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality on the restrained and lingering finish. This delivers surprisingly good flavor 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 aging as the supporting tannins are also dense but fine.
91-93 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2025+
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2013 @ £9,195 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks – photos attached
2013 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze: (90% new wood). Subtle if not invisible wood serves as a backdrop for the mildly reduced nose so again do yourself a favor and decant this if you’re going to crack one before 2020 or so. There is knock-out intensity to the gorgeously textured and mineral-inflected flavors that are imposingly scaled yet there is not even a hint of heaviness on the restrained, delineated and explosively long and mouth coating finale. This is a breathtakingly robust and powerful Bèze that is going to require all of 20 years to reach it zenith.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2033+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Clos St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2015 @ £7,795 per 6 IB & OC 2-3 weeks – photos attached
2015 Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos St. Jacques”: (from a 2.2 ha parcel raised in 70% new wood). There is just enough wood present to mention but not so much as to materially detract from the attractively fresh, cool, pretty and airy red berry, earth, humus, anise and rose petal-scented aromas. The refined yet quite powerful middle weight are almost painfully intense and there is so much minerality the mouthfeel is akin to rolling small stones around in your mouth particularly so on the sappy, palate coating and hugely long finish. This too is seriously impressive and very classy.
96 points Allen Meadows, Burghound/2032+
1 case – 6/75cl Gevrey Chambertin ‘Clos du Chateau’ MONOPOLE, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2016 @ £3,095 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 flavors 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 Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2017 @ £12,695 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £13,500-£16,500++) now - photo attached – rare original wooden case
1 case – 6/75cl Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2017 @ £14,495 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, the sauvage, earth, floral and exotic tea wisps. The gorgeous mouthfeel of the imposingly constituted and admirably concentrated flavors is one of 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+
2 cases – 6/75cl Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2018 @ £3,575 per 6 IB & OC (SIB) (Lowest Wine Searcher £3,600-£4,800++) now – photos available
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 by notes of plum liqueur, newly turned earth, violet and a whiff of the sauvage, all of which is trimmed in just enough wood to mention. The exceptionally rich and enveloping medium weight flavors 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 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru ‘Lavaux St Jacques’, Domaine Armand Rousseau 2021 @ £2,995 per 6 IB & OC (Lowest Wine Searcher £3,500++) 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 humus. 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. Fine potential here.
92 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Jan 2024
Please see the following DRC Romanee St Vivant & Richebourg selection, all offered at the very best prices in the market. Available ex-LCB Tilbury (lead times below). *We do not offer US, Canadian or Australian slip labels, or stocks of questionable provenance and sources. Photos available for many stocks.
1 case - 6/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1995 @ £17,695 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £19,995++) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached
Light but not total 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 flavors 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 genuinely great DRC RSV but I quite like it. Tasted multiple times with mostly consistent notes that have varied 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 @ £9,795 per 3 IB & OWC6 (Lowest Wine Searcher £10,950++) 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 flavors however are rich and offer excellent detail and are underpinned by dense yet ripe tannins and good extract. 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 @ £9,995 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 black berry fruit aromas that are both elegant and refined while transitioning into rich, sweet and full-bodied flavors that possess good muscle and solid if not sensational depth and length. In sum, this is a quality '97 that should benefit from another 5 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 £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, hoison and black pinot fruits and a multilayered flavor profile of good intensity, detail and exceptional length. 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) 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 flavors 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's going to 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. In my view 1999 is one of the great vintages for this fabled wine. Many, and 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-colored offering. It boasts a magnificent perfume of framboise, blackberries, and currants as well as a sweet, buttery woody component underlying black and red fruit flavors kissed by toasty oak. In the mouth, gamy, fleshy characteristics intertwined with violets, licorice, and black fruits is 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 @ £17,595 per 6 IB & OWC now – 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 petal and sandalwood. I very much like the texture and verve to the strikingly complex medium weight flavors 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. Tasted 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 @ £21,695 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £25,350-£26,495++) now – photo attached – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
An exuberately spicy and notably ripe nose displays discreet notes of torrefaction and roasted espresso beans on the overtly floral-suffused aromas. The muscular flavors 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 middle weight 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 @ £17,995 per 6 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £18,500-£24,995++) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian – photo attached
This hadn'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 it's the spice that is so remarkable cut with floral and stem hints that add depth. The medium-bodied flavors are quite fine with beautiful detail; indeed they are chiseled, and 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 fasion, 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 @ £9,795 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 flavors 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 @ £9,295 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 @ £18,495 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 flavors 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 overally 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 @ £8,295 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 flavors 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 flavors. 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+
2 cases – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2004 @ £9,695 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 flavors 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 @ £9,695 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 flavors 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 is indisputably going to require extended aging. Tasted twice in 2019 with similar notes.
97 points Allen Meadows, Burghound, Mar 2019, 2030+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2006 @ £8,295 per 3 IB & re-packed carton now – 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 blue berry side of the fruit spectrum along with plenty of floral nuances. The solidly-structured and very serious middle weight flavors 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. In terms of drinkability this is still very much on the way up and while it is certainly interesting to see how a wine like the '06 RSV is developing, it is still much too early to be cracking 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 @ £8,595 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 flavors 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+
1 case - 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 flavors 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+
2 cases – 3/75cl Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2007 @ £9,395 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 flavors 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 is hard to believe. I suspect that despite the fact that 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 2008 @ £8,595 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,800-£10,500++) now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2008 @ £8,595 £7,395 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £8,800-£10,500++) now – photo attached - bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2008 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). As one would reasonably expect, this is notably more elegant with a pure, delicate and layered nose of floral notes, in particular rose and violet, along with clove, anise and sandalwood nuances that gracefully introduce rich, forward and generous flavors that retain a wonderful sense of tension, detail and refinement on the precise, textured and focused finish that offers tremendous length. For all its considerable attributes however, this remains an understated wine of harmony, grace and impeccable balance. A stunner of a wine.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2026+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2010 @ £9,995 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 flavors are extremely fine-grained yet notably dense as the explosive finish is quite firm. Despite the tightly wound structure the overall impression of the mouth feel 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 @ £8,195 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
This is certainly one of, if not the, most floral wine in the range in 2011 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 flavors 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 Richebourg Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2011 @ £9,195 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2011 Richebourg: This is also intensely floral, in fact it may very well be the most floral wine in the range. Though it may not be quite as elegant as the Romanée St. Vivant it is arguably even more aromatically complex with a wonderfully fresh if restrained nose of hoisin, black fruit, soy and anise. There is remarkable concentration of dry extract that completely buffers the otherwise tightly wound tannic spine while pushing it to the background as the broad-shouldered flavors culminate in a balanced, long and velvety mineral-inflected finish that delivers astonishing persistence. While the Domaine’s 2011s will in general drink well earlier than is typical, the Riche may be an exception to that generalization.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2031+
1 case - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2012 @ £8,795 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 along with a trace of oak. There is an ultra-refined mouth feel to the equally pure, intense, detailed and lilting medium-bodied flavors 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 dry extract are undeniably deep and buffer well the firm but not hard tannic spine and overall, this is a wine of grace and harmony. It's interesting as the mouth feel is light, indeed almost delicate yet the flavor 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 @ £7,995 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
Here the subtly oaked nose is not only more expressive but more floral and perfumed as well 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 flavors 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 @ £8,795 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,200-£12,080++) 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 by 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 flavors 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 bottle of which I underscore that plenty will be required.
94 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2033+
2 cases - 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 by 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 flavors 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 @ £9,695 per 3 IB & OWC now – bought EP C&B stock stored Octavian
2014 Richebourg: This is perhaps the most floral wine in the range in 2014 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 flavors 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 @ £8,595 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 flavors 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 is going to 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+
2 cases - 3/75cl Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee Conti 2016 @ £8,995 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 flavors that possess first-rate complexity on the balanced and wonderfully persistent if youthfully austere finish. This crunchy effort is class in a glass with its emphasis on finesse which is quite different from the evident power and punch of the Corton. 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 flavors 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 @ £8,795 per 3 IB & OWC (Lowest Wine Searcher £9,200-£10,000++) 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 flavors 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 on its balance. In sum, this is a highly refined and elegant Riche with a positively gorgeous mouthfeel.
95 points Allen Meadows, Burghound /2035+
Payment Terms – Strictly 14 days on invoice for physical stocks (payment due 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.
