1999 Richebourg

The 1999 Richebourg Grand Cru has an extravagant, vivacious bouquet with layer upon layer of red fruit infused with glycerin, peony and orange blossom. You could almost describe this as “raucous,” albeit in a positive sense – like entering a lively party when you want to celebrate. The palate is framed by saturated tannin and almost “glossy” in texture compared with the same wine from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. This is a wine that caresses the senses, doing everything in its considerable power to seduce. And yet it does not quite deliver the intellect of the corresponding DRC; it is more hedonistic and cares less for challenging the cerebral membrane. 2,685 bottles produced. Tasted at the DRC/Leroy comparative dinner in Hong Kong.

Interestingly, the 1999 Richebourg is quite a bit more finessed than the Romanée Saint-Vivant in this flight. There is plenty of Richebourg power in the glass, and yet the 1999 has an unmistakable aura of delicacy, in relative terms of course. Open-knit and inviting, the 1999 drinks well now, although it will surely improve with more time in bottle.