1999 Richebourg

The 1999 Richebourg Grand Cru from Grivot is a long-term wine. Even after 16 years the nose is deep, broody and has a sign outside saying "come back later." I would say around five years. But I think there is great potential here (incidentally, not a view shared by others present at this tasting). With aeration, it reluctantly reveals sage and light Japanese nori (seaweed) aromas that I believe will become more prominent with time. The palate is well balanced, quite dense and perhaps "stocky," but hey, this is Richebourg not RSV! Give this burly Richebourg several years and you will have a serious wine.

Much more forward and opulent than the cask sample with its ripe, sexy black fruit that exhibit slightly odd petroleum notes followed by sappy, seductive and very ripe flavors. To be sure, all of the considerable tannic structure that the cask sample showed is still present yet the wine offers both class and subtlety. A superb young Richebourg that will require patience.

The medium to dark ruby-colored 1999 Richebourg is compelling. Its aromatics display great ripeness in their roasted dark berry, fresh herb, talcum, and plum scents. It is medium to full-bodied, broad, and full-flavored. This is an elegant wine with loads of spicy, in-your-face fruit whose flavors last throughout its unbelievably long finish. It magnificently balances extroverted sweet fruit with refinement, precision, and delineation. This is not a dense, chewy wine, but one that is extraordinarily detailed and profound.