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)
Vintage Data
|
Average age of vines (years)
|
Average production (doz)
|
Total production 2001 (doz)
|
Yield (hectolitres per hectare)
|
Echézeaux
|
31
|
1340
|
1369
|
26.36
|
Grands Echézeaux
|
51
|
1150
|
873
|
26.79
|
Romanée-St-Vivant
|
33
|
1500
|
1029
|
17.53
|
Richebourg
|
39
|
1000
|
973
|
24.95
|
La Tâche
|
46
|
1870
|
1649
|
25.99
|
Romanée- Conti
|
52
|
450
|
533
|
26.46
|
Domaine de la
Romanee Conti releases
2001,
2002, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2008
Back
to top
|