Richebourg, Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2001

While this is showing some signs of aromatic development, it's clear that this classically styled Richebourg has a long way to go before it's ready for prime time. This still requires some coaxing before it reveals wonderfully complex aromas of a simply incredible array of black fruits, earth, spice, crushed herbs and notes of hoisin and clove that lead to focused and medium-bodied flavors that are supple, rich and impressively powerful, all wrapped in a superbly well-detailed and focused if overtly austere finish. I particularly like the almost pungent minerality and this particular vintage of DRC Riche is evolving quite slowly though my suggested initial drinking window of 2019+ still seems appropriate based on the most recent bottle.

Pretty, mid-red colour. There is a little touch of chocolate on the nose. Ready now, spicy and smoky, some red fruit, and while I was expecting a little more body this 2001 DRC Richebourg really does have impressive length.

Tasted at Eleven Madison Park: We had better luck with the 2001 Richebourg. This fabulous Burgundy needed quite a bit of air to open up, but when it did it was truly gorgeous. A brooding, inward wine, the Richebourg showed tons of depth in its dark red fruit, dried flowers and menthol, with firm tannins that literally took hold of the palate from start to finish. As good as it is now, the 2001 Richebourg really needs at least 5-10 years before it starts offering its finest drinking.