1998 DRC, Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 1x75cl

Vinous – 90+

Saturated ruby-red. Sappy, rather wild aromas of raspberry, smoke, tar and mulch; more deeply pitched than the Grands-Echezeaux but still quite tangy. Fat, sweet and full, but less precise and lively than the Grands-Echezeaux; flavors of redcurrant and iron. Fairly rich wine, finishing with good breadth and dusty, slightly dry tannins. I’d be a bit more optimistic about the ultimate potential of this wine if it were more primary today. [Stephen Tanzer, 03/01/2001]

Robert Parker – 94

Tasted blind at Harry Gill’s annual lunch. The RSV ’98 has a rounded, sensuous nose with aromas of mulberry, raspberry, a touch of leather, mint and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, quite robust with firm, what you might describe as “big-boned” tannins more reminiscent of a gutsy Chambolle. Nonetheless, it exhibits superb concentration and great weight in the mouth, leading to a slightly meaty, Musigny-like finish that lacks the finesse of Romanee-St.-Vivant. As DRC’s go, one might describe this is a ‘burly’ RSV, but still utterly enjoyable. Drink now-2020. Tasted February 2010. [01/02/2010]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020