2018 DRC St. Vivant

Another fine dense purple colour. At first sniff the wine is a little less forthcoming than I expected at first. Some floral aspects certainly, It is on the second half of the palate that the intensity kicks in, entirely red fruit, some lifted spice notes behind, the whole bunch style evident. There is a fresh backbone to this wine, which belies any suggestion of an over-ripe vintage. Ballerina qualities emerge on retasting, this is one of the freshest in its pure red fruit flavour profile. Startling persistence.

The 2018 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru has a detailed bouquet of dark cherries, blueberry and pressed iris, an undertow of sea spray and petrichor emerging with time. Less floral than previous vintages, it is nevertheless extremely well focused. The palate is medium-bodied and you are immediately struck by the harmony of this wine. Elegant and discreetly spiced toward the finish. I would just like to see more persistence manifest during the remainder of its élevage.