Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Montrachet Grand Cru 2011

vinous95

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

Tropical fruit, butter and marzipan notes are all accentuated in the 2011 Montrachet. A hint of classic reduction adds freshness to balance out the wine’s natural richness and opulence. All things considered, the 2011 is drinking beautifully now, but will probably mature a bit faster than some of the surrounding vintages. Today, it is quite expressive. Tasted at the 2016 DRC presentation in New York. Tasted at the DRC Montrachet charity event in New York.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

While the 2012 Montrachet goes from being tightly-wound to exotic, the 2011, interestingly, follows a totally different trajectory over several hours. The first impression of unctuousness, with plenty of candied almond, citrus oil, white flower, mint and a touch of botrytis. Over time, the 2011 turns more delicate and understated. In 2011, the Montrachet is a wine of layers and pure sensuality. As in the past, the 2011 gives the impression of being a Montrachet that will reach maturity a bit earlier than some of the other surrounding vintages. I am also happy to see that this bottle does not show the slightly reductive quality that I have noted previously.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Pale yellow-gold. Very reserved nose offers licorice, wild herbs, anise, menthol and a whiff of meat; not at all a fruity style. Then silky and shapely in the mouth, with an impression of strong extract to the flavors of iodiney minerality, fresh herbs and vanilla. Not a honeyed style for this bottling. Finishes with excellent cut and citrus peel lift. Perhaps a bit light for this bottling, with a youthfully disjointed character calling for at least four or five years of additional cellaring.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2011 Montrachet Grand Cru is the first wine of La Paulée, and naturally, it is a suitable way to commence proceedings. Just a shame it is corked. Tasted at the La Paulée in Beaune.

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The Montrachet was picked on 6 September at a respectable 37.1hl/ha. Lucid in colour, perhaps a little deeper than expected, it has a multi-faceted nose that you have to monitor over one hour. Hints of almond and butterscotch emerge at first, then salted caramel, pralines and peach skin. It is mercurial and utterly alluring. The palate is intense on the entry and immediately expresses a sense of vitality and tension. This Montrachet is suffused with great weight in the mouth with subtle touches of orange peel, almond and hazelnut that ebb with time. It mellows in the glass but never dispensing with one iota of tension, yet seeming if anything to gain in volume. This epitomizes great Montrachet. 265 cases produced. Drink 2016-2030+.