2001 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti Grand Cru

What was a brooding, reserved, somewhat austere yet classic nose has become highly perfumed with picture perfect aromas of red and black fruits cut with lavish spice and aromatic nuances plus subtle touches of earth, soy and hoisin that combine to create a bouquet of simply stunning complexity. The purity and detail are flat out incredible with nuanced, multi-layered flavors wrapped in pinot sap and culminating in an awe-inspiring finish. Silk, velvet and mouth coating sap completely buffer the ripe structure and this RC possesses what all of the great ones do - absolutely perfect harmony; this is seamless and there are no edges. It is as it were a perfect sphere with a haunting finish that I could taste hours later. This too is destined to be a great wine and the key distinguishing aspect is its virtually unmatched transparency. There is certainly no vintage in the last 20 years with the possible exception of the 1996 that can match it in this regard.

Even at 14 years of age, the 2001 remains virile and imposing, which is quite rare as Romanée-Conti is so often an elusive, more sensual wine. The 2001, on the other hand, is a wine of transparency and energy, two of the signatures of the 2001s here, yet the aromas and flavors remain a bit on the dark side. Although the 2001 is strikingly beautiful today, it will only improve and transform over time, as this tasting amply shows.

Compared to La Tache definitely a light colour. The nose has moderate intensity, again the oak not completely enmeshed into the fruit. Notes of espresso coffee like La Tache. The palate is very concentrated but not overpowering with well-knit tannins and delectable acidity. The mid-palate stays suspended on the palate: just pure pinot fruits. Good grip with a touch of black truffle on the finish. Magnificent. Better than La Tache this year. 10+ years. (533 cases produced)