1988 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti Grand Cru

Still relatively deep ruby. Somewhat surprisingly, the '88 is displaying a bit more aromatic maturity than the '89 with a more deeply pitched nose than usual with notes of spice, earth, smoked game and a certain sauvage quality that is uncommon though it does complement the relatively big, robust and sleekly muscled flavors that offer excellent intensity on the firmly, but not aggressively, structured finish of moderate length, at least by the extraordinary standards of this wine. While still youthful, it is no longer a baby and I would suggest leaving it to mature for at least another 10 years first. it's going to need it. Like the '89, a solid but not spectacular showing. Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

In 1988 there are 575 cases of Romanee-Conti. Consumers should be deliriously happy, considering there were only 225 cases in 1987. It is more backward than the 1987, 1986, or 1985, and is one of the fullest and most tannic examples of Romanee-Conti I have tasted this decade. It may even outlive the otherworldly 1985. It is staggeringly concentrated with a bouquet that almost defies articulation. There is no doubting what it is and who made it. It is a flashy, dramatic wine with astonishing length and mystique. I would not dare touch a bottle before the mid- to late nineties. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate January 1990