Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
About Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (aka DRC) is an iconic producer – and has maintained this position for many decades. DRC has a fascinating and lengthy history spanning the ownership of its namesake vineyard by the Bourbon Prince of Conti, through the French Revolution to the current owner of the de Villaine and Leroy/Roch families. Managing 25 hectares of exclusively Grand Cru vineyards, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is the sole Burgundian estate to bottle nothing other than the pinnacle of the region’s classification system.
Chief amongst all Burgundy producers to claim holdings in most of the magical terroir in Vosne-Romanée, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is famously hailed as the King of Vosne-Romanée. Possessing only the best vineyard in the region, two of their most sought after red wines being Romanée-Conti and La Tâche, both of which are monopole holdings and frequently amongst the best offerings in Burgundy.
Apart from Romanée-Conti and La Tâche, DRC also produces four other Grand Cru wines from Vosne-Romanée at ultra-limited quantity each year: Romanée St-Vivant Grand Cru (approx. 1,500 cases/year), Richebourg Grand Cru (approx. 1,000 cases/year), Échezeaux Grand Cru (approx. 1,340 cases/year) and Grand Échezeaux Grand Cru (approx. 1,150 cases/year).
The style of the DRC wines is rich, intense, silky, transparent and quite light on the aromatic palate with more red than dark nuances. The use of whole clusters gives a very rich aromatic profile, and a very high complexity as the wine ages. All the wines are very reflective of the terroir, and the difference in terroir is very clear even when the wines are very young and powerful. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti normally use 100% new oak on the wines.
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Inc. VAT£72,709.27
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Gentle spice, hint of cigar box and delicate oak spice aromas and something perfumed and almost exotic, a little like sandalwood, opening up to spiced red fruit and candied orange-peel freshness. Already so multi-faceted and open on the nose. Very tangy and finely spiced on the palate too. There’s density and elegant tannic structure but so well dressed in light but fine fruit that you barely see the framework. Fine spicy grip on the long fresh finish. Silky, scented, gorgeous. The most approachable of the 2007 grands crus tasted alongside.Inc. VAT£3,372.80 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Gentle spice, hint of cigar box and delicate oak spice aromas and something perfumed and almost exotic, a little like sandalwood, opening up to spiced red fruit and candied orange-peel freshness. Already so multi-faceted and open on the nose. Very tangy and finely spiced on the palate too. There’s density and elegant tannic structure but so well dressed in light but fine fruit that you barely see the framework. Fine spicy grip on the long fresh finish. Silky, scented, gorgeous. The most approachable of the 2007 grands crus tasted alongside.Inc. VAT£12,736.82 -
Vinous (97)
The 1990 Grands Echezeaux is one of my very favorite Domaine de la Romanée-Conti wines. Always a bomb, the 1990 is damn delicious. The bouquet alone is so alluring. Bright red-fleshed fruit, crushed berries, spice and mint fill out the layers in a gorgeous, wonderfully expressive, open-knit GE that is an absolute thrill to drink. When it is on, and that is most of the time, the 1990 is lights out. This bottle is tremendous. What a great way to move into the red wines.Inc. VAT£3,906.80 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The Domaine de La Romanee-Conti 2007 Grands-Echezeaux exhibits a rich, roasted meat dimension to parallel its sweetness of ripe red raspberry and cherry, with hints of vanilla and caramel adding a confectionary hint, and a flatteringly plush, creamy texture. Cardamom, soy, and ginger add pungency and savor to a long, layered finishing melange. Follow it for at least 10-12 years.Inc. VAT£3,586.40 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2008 La Tache amply illustrates why this monopole is the darling among most of those lucky enough to regularly taste or collect the wines of the Domaine de La Romanee-Conti. Hints of mocha, vanilla, maraschino, and almond paste lend a confectionary note to generously rich cassis and raspberry, while Latakia tobacco, peat, clove, black pepper, star anise, and cumin contribute commune-typical Vosne-Romanee personality in spades. The high-toned, sweet themes continue inner mouth, with intimation of heliotrope, rowan, and lily perfume, while the wine’s smoky, spicy elements seem to descend into a low-register undertone of roasted red meats and forest floor. As this opens to the air, a subtly sweet-saline suggestion of lobster shell reduction adds richness and succulence. Strikingly creamy in feel, this La Tache nevertheless possessed a fresh berry edge that helps convey vibrancy to a finish that practically glows in your mouth, offering another of those Burgundian paradoxes of light and dark. Here, de Villaine’s case for long-term potential is easily made, and I expect this will richly reward at least 15-20 years of attention.Inc. VAT£5,874.80 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2008 La Tache amply illustrates why this monopole is the darling among most of those lucky enough to regularly taste or collect the wines of the Domaine de La Romanee-Conti. Hints of mocha, vanilla, maraschino, and almond paste lend a confectionary note to generously rich cassis and raspberry, while Latakia tobacco, peat, clove, black pepper, star anise, and cumin contribute commune-typical Vosne-Romanee personality in spades. The high-toned, sweet themes continue inner mouth, with intimation of heliotrope, rowan, and lily perfume, while the wine’s smoky, spicy elements seem to descend into a low-register undertone of roasted red meats and forest floor. As this opens to the air, a subtly sweet-saline suggestion of lobster shell reduction adds richness and succulence. Strikingly creamy in feel, this La Tache nevertheless possessed a fresh berry edge that helps convey vibrancy to a finish that practically glows in your mouth, offering another of those Burgundian paradoxes of light and dark. Here, de Villaine’s case for long-term potential is easily made, and I expect this will richly reward at least 15-20 years of attention.Inc. VAT£67,084.84 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2008 La Tache amply illustrates why this monopole is the darling among most of those lucky enough to regularly taste or collect the wines of the Domaine de La Romanee-Conti. Hints of mocha, vanilla, maraschino, and almond paste lend a confectionary note to generously rich cassis and raspberry, while Latakia tobacco, peat, clove, black pepper, star anise, and cumin contribute commune-typical Vosne-Romanee personality in spades. The high-toned, sweet themes continue inner mouth, with intimation of heliotrope, rowan, and lily perfume, while the wine’s smoky, spicy elements seem to descend into a low-register undertone of roasted red meats and forest floor. As this opens to the air, a subtly sweet-saline suggestion of lobster shell reduction adds richness and succulence. Strikingly creamy in feel, this La Tache nevertheless possessed a fresh berry edge that helps convey vibrancy to a finish that practically glows in your mouth, offering another of those Burgundian paradoxes of light and dark. Here, de Villaine’s case for long-term potential is easily made, and I expect this will richly reward at least 15-20 years of attention.Inc. VAT£21,782.42 -
Vinous (97)
Bright full yellow. Knockout, soil-inflected nose combines menthol, honey, wild herbs, crushed stone, minerals and a whiff of caramel. Wonderfully ripe and sweet but with a light touch, thanks to its powerful stony character. The flavors of pineapple and pungent iodiney minerality saturate the palate and build slowly and inexorably. A white Burgundy of extraordinary texture and nuance.Inc. VAT£36,730.01 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93+)
Bright medium red. Pungent aromas of wild strawberry, minerals, spices and pepper. Not a fat wine but classy and suave, with terrific peppery, minerally lift in the middle palate. With aeration, this classically dry wine showed a stronger soil component and mounting power. Finishes with superb breadth and an impression of weightlessness. I might have initially mistaken this for the RSV-and vice-versa-had I tasted these blind, but this is ultimately the more powerful wine.Inc. VAT£10,391.21 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93+)
Bright medium red. Pungent aromas of wild strawberry, minerals, spices and pepper. Not a fat wine but classy and suave, with terrific peppery, minerally lift in the middle palate. With aeration, this classically dry wine showed a stronger soil component and mounting power. Finishes with superb breadth and an impression of weightlessness. I might have initially mistaken this for the RSV-and vice-versa-had I tasted these blind, but this is ultimately the more powerful wine.Inc. VAT£13,658.42 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 1990 Romanee-Conti should ultimately be the most compelling and complex of the DRC wines. Normally it possesses a lighter color than either La Tache or Richebourg, but in 1990 it boasts a surprisingly saturated color that is the equal of La Tache and Richebourg. The nose offers up sweet, clove, cinnamon, and blackberry aromas intermingled with toasty, smoky new oak. Lavishly rich and full-bodied, with abundant tannins, this profound, surprisingly large-scaled, tannic wine boasts more muscle than usual. Let's hope that the billionaires that buy it have as much taste as money. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025 .Inc. VAT£23,648.00
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In Bond£60,559.00
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Gentle spice, hint of cigar box and delicate oak spice aromas and something perfumed and almost exotic, a little like sandalwood, opening up to spiced red fruit and candied orange-peel freshness. Already so multi-faceted and open on the nose. Very tangy and finely spiced on the palate too. There’s density and elegant tannic structure but so well dressed in light but fine fruit that you barely see the framework. Fine spicy grip on the long fresh finish. Silky, scented, gorgeous. The most approachable of the 2007 grands crus tasted alongside.In Bond£2,808.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Gentle spice, hint of cigar box and delicate oak spice aromas and something perfumed and almost exotic, a little like sandalwood, opening up to spiced red fruit and candied orange-peel freshness. Already so multi-faceted and open on the nose. Very tangy and finely spiced on the palate too. There’s density and elegant tannic structure but so well dressed in light but fine fruit that you barely see the framework. Fine spicy grip on the long fresh finish. Silky, scented, gorgeous. The most approachable of the 2007 grands crus tasted alongside.In Bond£10,606.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 1990 Grands Echezeaux is one of my very favorite Domaine de la Romanée-Conti wines. Always a bomb, the 1990 is damn delicious. The bouquet alone is so alluring. Bright red-fleshed fruit, crushed berries, spice and mint fill out the layers in a gorgeous, wonderfully expressive, open-knit GE that is an absolute thrill to drink. When it is on, and that is most of the time, the 1990 is lights out. This bottle is tremendous. What a great way to move into the red wines.In Bond£3,253.00 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The Domaine de La Romanee-Conti 2007 Grands-Echezeaux exhibits a rich, roasted meat dimension to parallel its sweetness of ripe red raspberry and cherry, with hints of vanilla and caramel adding a confectionary hint, and a flatteringly plush, creamy texture. Cardamom, soy, and ginger add pungency and savor to a long, layered finishing melange. Follow it for at least 10-12 years.In Bond£2,986.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2008 La Tache amply illustrates why this monopole is the darling among most of those lucky enough to regularly taste or collect the wines of the Domaine de La Romanee-Conti. Hints of mocha, vanilla, maraschino, and almond paste lend a confectionary note to generously rich cassis and raspberry, while Latakia tobacco, peat, clove, black pepper, star anise, and cumin contribute commune-typical Vosne-Romanee personality in spades. The high-toned, sweet themes continue inner mouth, with intimation of heliotrope, rowan, and lily perfume, while the wine’s smoky, spicy elements seem to descend into a low-register undertone of roasted red meats and forest floor. As this opens to the air, a subtly sweet-saline suggestion of lobster shell reduction adds richness and succulence. Strikingly creamy in feel, this La Tache nevertheless possessed a fresh berry edge that helps convey vibrancy to a finish that practically glows in your mouth, offering another of those Burgundian paradoxes of light and dark. Here, de Villaine’s case for long-term potential is easily made, and I expect this will richly reward at least 15-20 years of attention.In Bond£4,893.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2008 La Tache amply illustrates why this monopole is the darling among most of those lucky enough to regularly taste or collect the wines of the Domaine de La Romanee-Conti. Hints of mocha, vanilla, maraschino, and almond paste lend a confectionary note to generously rich cassis and raspberry, while Latakia tobacco, peat, clove, black pepper, star anise, and cumin contribute commune-typical Vosne-Romanee personality in spades. The high-toned, sweet themes continue inner mouth, with intimation of heliotrope, rowan, and lily perfume, while the wine’s smoky, spicy elements seem to descend into a low-register undertone of roasted red meats and forest floor. As this opens to the air, a subtly sweet-saline suggestion of lobster shell reduction adds richness and succulence. Strikingly creamy in feel, this La Tache nevertheless possessed a fresh berry edge that helps convey vibrancy to a finish that practically glows in your mouth, offering another of those Burgundian paradoxes of light and dark. Here, de Villaine’s case for long-term potential is easily made, and I expect this will richly reward at least 15-20 years of attention.In Bond£55,888.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2008 La Tache amply illustrates why this monopole is the darling among most of those lucky enough to regularly taste or collect the wines of the Domaine de La Romanee-Conti. Hints of mocha, vanilla, maraschino, and almond paste lend a confectionary note to generously rich cassis and raspberry, while Latakia tobacco, peat, clove, black pepper, star anise, and cumin contribute commune-typical Vosne-Romanee personality in spades. The high-toned, sweet themes continue inner mouth, with intimation of heliotrope, rowan, and lily perfume, while the wine’s smoky, spicy elements seem to descend into a low-register undertone of roasted red meats and forest floor. As this opens to the air, a subtly sweet-saline suggestion of lobster shell reduction adds richness and succulence. Strikingly creamy in feel, this La Tache nevertheless possessed a fresh berry edge that helps convey vibrancy to a finish that practically glows in your mouth, offering another of those Burgundian paradoxes of light and dark. Here, de Villaine’s case for long-term potential is easily made, and I expect this will richly reward at least 15-20 years of attention.In Bond£18,144.00 -
Vinous (97)
Bright full yellow. Knockout, soil-inflected nose combines menthol, honey, wild herbs, crushed stone, minerals and a whiff of caramel. Wonderfully ripe and sweet but with a light touch, thanks to its powerful stony character. The flavors of pineapple and pungent iodiney minerality saturate the palate and build slowly and inexorably. A white Burgundy of extraordinary texture and nuance.In Bond£30,603.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93+)
Bright medium red. Pungent aromas of wild strawberry, minerals, spices and pepper. Not a fat wine but classy and suave, with terrific peppery, minerally lift in the middle palate. With aeration, this classically dry wine showed a stronger soil component and mounting power. Finishes with superb breadth and an impression of weightlessness. I might have initially mistaken this for the RSV-and vice-versa-had I tasted these blind, but this is ultimately the more powerful wine.In Bond£8,654.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93+)
Bright medium red. Pungent aromas of wild strawberry, minerals, spices and pepper. Not a fat wine but classy and suave, with terrific peppery, minerally lift in the middle palate. With aeration, this classically dry wine showed a stronger soil component and mounting power. Finishes with superb breadth and an impression of weightlessness. I might have initially mistaken this for the RSV-and vice-versa-had I tasted these blind, but this is ultimately the more powerful wine.In Bond£11,374.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 1990 Romanee-Conti should ultimately be the most compelling and complex of the DRC wines. Normally it possesses a lighter color than either La Tache or Richebourg, but in 1990 it boasts a surprisingly saturated color that is the equal of La Tache and Richebourg. The nose offers up sweet, clove, cinnamon, and blackberry aromas intermingled with toasty, smoky new oak. Lavishly rich and full-bodied, with abundant tannins, this profound, surprisingly large-scaled, tannic wine boasts more muscle than usual. Let's hope that the billionaires that buy it have as much taste as money. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025 .In Bond£19,704.00