2001s from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Burgundy

There’s not much I can add to what’s already been said about this domaine, source of possibly the world’s most famous red wines. Earlier this month (February 2004) I attended the release of the 2001 vintage at Corney & Barrow. Taking part in this tasting was a bit like going to (a rather high) church: people were talking respectfully in hushed tones, and tasting as reverently as if they'd just taken some communion wine. I worked out that my pour of the Romanée-Conti, assuming 25 pours to the bottle (a wild guess), would cost some £30. It’s hard to be completely objective about an iconic domaine like this, but I was enthralled by the six different wines, ranging from the alluring, forward Echezeaux (£97 a bottle all in) to the complex, beguiling Romanée Conti itself (a staggering £804 per bottle). That they all tasted so different is presumably down to terroir - the characteristics of each of the vineyards - rather than a stylistic choice made during the winemaking process. I have to admit that I’m slightly envious of those who can actually afford to drink these wines on a regular basis, because they truly are very special. Prices in brackets are the projected per bottle price with duty and VAT included.

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echézeaux 2001
Ripe, sweet alluring nose is smooth and seamless with sweet berry and even blackcurrant fruit. The palate is concentrated, sweet, smooth and elegant with fine tannins. Soft and appealing with lots of sweet fruit, this is hard to resist even at such an early stage. Very good/excellent 94/100 (£97.36)

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands Echézeaux 2001
Slightly more structured on the nose with some herby, minerally notes. The palate is quite firm and structured with good concentration, minerally spicy notes and some tannins. There might even be a bit of wood here, too. The finish is very mineralic. This is a structured wine that needs to develop complexity. Very good/excellent 92/100 (£152.19)

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-St-Vivant 2001
Lovely perfumed nose with notes of herbs and undergrowth, together with some tar and sweet berry fruit. Savoury and enticing. The palate is concentrated and firm with a spicy edge. Lovely complexity to the rich savoury fruit. Plenty of structure here, underpinning the elegant fruit. Excellent 95/100 (£214.86)

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg 2001
Vibrant nose is richly fruited with some morello cherry notes joining the dominant red berries. Very smooth and more-ish: there’s a spicy, almost porty edge to it. Really nice balance. The palate is savoury and intense with smooth, spicy tannins providing quite a bit of structure. Still a little woody but quite elegant, with a firm, chewy finish. Impressive, but needs time. Very good/excellent 93/100 (£214.86)

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche 2001
Intense ripe fruits on the nose: smooth, rich red berries dominate, with hints of tar and spic. Very elegant. The palate is quite backward with lots of spicy structure ad smooth but firm tannins. Real depth to the fruit with good balance between all the components. Minerally finish. Currently very firm but with lots of potential for the future. Very good/excellent 94/100 (£242.27)

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti 2001
A definite step-up, although it’s hard to believe this is possible after the previous wines. Alluring perfumed nose of sweet red berries and cherries, with lots of ripeness and some tarry, minerally complexity. Quite profound: bold yet elegant. The palate is concentrated and rich with great concentration of minerally complexity. The herb, red berry, cherry and wood notes are perfectly integrated with very smooth, fine tannins. Great balance and elegance. Excellent 97/100 (£804.31)

See also: tasting notes of Burgundy wines; Photos from Burgundy; DRC 2002 vintage

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