Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Montrachet Grand Cru 1995

robert_parker99

Reviewed by: Pierre Rovani

Attentive and wealthy readers will note that I have revised my original, barrel sample-based score for the Domaine de la Romanee Conti's 1995 Montrachet (a 95-97+ in Issue #110). Simply put, this is a mind-boggling, virtually perfect wine. It displays breath-taking aromas of liquid minerals, creamed hazelnuts, candied chestnuts (marrons glaces), white flowers, anise, and buttered toast that seem to gain in expressiveness and intensity with time. On its utterly extraordinary palate layer upon layer of stones, straw, minerals, grilled bread, and sweet white flowers can be found. Oily, full-bodied, magnificently concentrated, and extracted, this is as complex a wine as I have ever had the honor to pour over my lips and palate. Perfectly balanced and structured for the long haul, this wine also possesses one of the longest and purist finishes I have ever encountered. A winemaking tour de force! Projected maturity: 2008-2025. The few men and women that have the contacts and resources to acquire the world's most esteemed white wine from one of this planet's most famous estates are very fortunate. Aubert de Villaine, the Domaine's director, has fashioned two extraordinary Montrachets that will be talked about, compared, fawned over, and hopefully drunk over the next few decades by those worthy and deserving enough. Tasting the 1995 and 1996 offerings is an unforgettable experience. Importer: Wilson Daniels, St. Helena, CA; (707) 963-9661.