Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Echezeaux Grand Cru 1990

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This is a stunning Echezeaux. A thin tawny rim with bright ruby/garnet core. The nose has a bewitching lift and intensity with red cherries and raspberries at first, then after two minutes in glass developing nuances of blood orange, a touch of leather and mocha. Stunning delineation and sense of exuberance. The palate does not quite match the nose but is still very powerful with ebullient red cherries and wild strawberry, a hint of iron and kirsch with a silky smooth texture. It is an over-achieving Echezeaux, as compelling as the last time I tasted it and worth every one of its 96 points. Tasted February 2008.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Slight auburn rim. Fantastic youthful nose: sweet morello cherry, raspberry and vanilla pod. Vigorous youthful palate with crisp acidity and spellbinding definition. Cassis and a touch of dates on the finish. What a stunning wine: completely blew us away. God knows what other 1990's are like. Tasted July 2002.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1990 Echezeaux continues to confirm that the DRC has been successful in turning out a richer, more structured wine in vintages since 1988. The deep color (it may be the darkest Echezeaux I have seen) is followed by a bouquet with well-developed aromas of spices, plums, black-raspberries, and sweet new oak. In the mouth, the wine exhibits admirable toastiness, rich, medium to full body, moderate tannins, low acidity, and an impressive finish. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2010. The DRC 1990s, all of which were bottled in April/May, are among the deepest colored wines from this domaine that I have tasted in the last decade. Moreover, they are firmly structured, with significant tannins from both the vintage and from the aging in 100% new oak barrels. For the fortunate few who have had the discretionary income to afford the other great vintages of the DRC from the eighties, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1988, and 1989, the question is - are the 1990s superior? I am not sure they are any better than the 1980s, 1985, and 1988s, but they undoubtedly represent a classic, concentrated, long-lived style of wine. Moreover, all of these wines should have a more graceful evolution and broader window of drinkability than the tannic 1988s, as well as potentially greater longevity than the succulent and opulent 1985s. All of these offerings are outstanding, with that tell-tale complex, exotic fragrance that the DRC routinely achieves. NOTE: Prices had not been released (the wines will arrive in early 1993). I have inserted the same prices asked for the 1989 vintage as an approximation of what these wines will fetch. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA.