1994 Romanee Conti

A beautifully spicy and distinctly floral nose that is just beginning to reveal the initial notes of secondary fruit maturity and this is unusually profound for what has proven to be a difficult vintage. While the palate can't match the nose, the flavors offer good intensity, reasonable depth and only a trace of backend dryness, the Achilles' heel of most wines in 1994. Though this will continue to age for many years, I don't see it improving materially from here and if it were me, I would decant for one hour first and serve now and over the next 20 years. Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

Surprisingly unimpressive and ungenerous when tasted blind against other '94 red Burgundies from top producers. It's rather crisp, accented by mocha, freshly ground coffee beans and other oak-supplied flavors, tasting of barely ripe cherry and raspberry flavors. Medium-bodied. Chewy finish. Best after 1998. 700 cases made. Wine Spectator Sep 30, 1997

The 1994 Montrachet, from 25 hectoliter/hectare yields, has a deep mineral spice on the nose with touches of star anise and orange blossoms. In the mouth, it displays an awesome silky texture and good length, with touches of nuts and spices. This full-bodied wine has the components to be a great Montrachet, but it lacks the necessary drive to carry the fruit through to its summit. My impression is that this wine will age gracefully for 10+ years. The most expensive dry white wine made in the world, the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti's Montrachet always faces high, if not unrealistic expectations. The gracious Aubert de Villaine, one of the owners of the domaine, was kind enough to allow me to taste the 1994 and 1995 Montrachet's side by side. Pierre Rovani, Wine Advocate April 1997