Romanée Saint Vivant, Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2002

Highly aromatic, indeed almost kaleidoscopic in the sheer breadth of aromas but it's the spice that is so remarkable. The flavors are quite fine with beautiful detail and a drop dead gorgeous velvety texture that is soft in the middle yet quite firm on the terrifically long finish. The overall character here is rather discreet and understated and while there is plenty of character, it's clear that this is built along the lines of elegance and finesse rather than the robust power and punch of the Grands Echézeaux. Moreover, it has put on weight since it was bottled and while it's not quite as good as the '01, it's not far off.

Mocha, toasted oak, and roasting spices are discerned in the nose of the light to medium-bodied 2002 Romanee-St.-Vivant. Its suave, silky-textured attack reveals impressive black cherry and blackberry flavors intermingled with cafe au lait as well as violets. This light to medium-bodied wine’s mid-palate has terrific mouth-feel yet its lengthy finish displays some firm tannin that will require patience. Drink it between 2009 and 2016.