Tasting Notes
Vinous 100
The 2005 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru was picked on 15 and 16 September at 25hl/ha. Now, this unquestionably lives up to sky high expectations and if anything, shows up some of the other vintages poured alongside. It has a deep core with thin bricking on the rim. The bouquet is breathtaking and transcendental with its mélange of wild strawberry, blackberry, loam and brine all delivered with astonishing pixelation. The palate is crystalline, though it is initially a little introverted like many 2005s, so do afford this an hour or two of decanting. Then it opens with blackberry, crushed stone and brown spices, slightly ferrous towards the finish that has quite profound persistence. The precision is off the charts. The 2005 Romanée-Conti is the real deal. 5,489 bottles produced. Tasted at the Romanée-Conti dinner at the Connaught Hotel.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2070
Robert Parker 99
A limpid crimson, ruby colour. The nose is very intense with superb tension and poise. Multi-dimensional with wild strawberry, red cherry, chalk dust and that sorbet like quality developing, married with orange-blossom and a touch of dried apricot that becomes stronger after fifteen minutes. A shave of ginger appearing a little while later. The palate is medium-bodied, very feminine and refined, harmonious, silky smooth texture with a crescendo of flavours towards the finish: red cherry, redcurrant, blood orange and a touch of dried blood. Very subtle, almost understated finish. Astounding wine that has the same delicacy, lace-like structure and yet almost immeasurable intensity as Roumier’s Musigny. Tasted February 2008.
JancisRobinson.com 20
Bright crimson with a surprisingly deep shaded rim already. Seems even more complex than the Tâche on the nose – such a jewel! So sturdy and heady and rich and flattering. More hints of a mature DRC with mushrooms and violets than the Tâche which is a little more pointu and direct rather than this cloud in which one can lose oneself. So complete on the palate – less raw than the Tâche seemed last night. Such concentration. Dangerously enjoyable. Just like a string on a cello that has been plucked and reverberates. So long. Great savour and juiciness. The weight of fruit is such that it is easy to overlook those pretty marked tannins that are so easy, ripe yet fresh! Wilder than la Tâche. Mind you, I’m glad I tasted this in blissful ignorance of the price.
Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040
