Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Richebourg Grand Cru 1991

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1991 Richebourg is not revealing its normal richness and power. The samples I saw were dominated by sweet vanillin and toasty new oak scents intermingled with aromas of cassis. Medium-bodied, with excellent richness and a long, moderately tannic finish, this wine (as virtually all the DRC wines do) will put on considerable weight as it ages. Drink it between 1998-2012. NOTE: Prices have not been released; those listed are estimated based on recent vintages. As did most Burgundy domaines, the DRC had exceptionally low yields in 1991, ranging from under 20 hectoliters per hectare to a high of 26 hectoliters per hectare for the Grands Echezeaux. Unquestionably, all of these wines are successful and should age for two decades. Although the wines have already been bottled, they will not be released until late winter or early spring 1994, thus prices have not yet been established. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA. NOTES ON THE 1992s FROM BARREL: While I cannot say the 1992s are superior to the 1991s, they are completely different in style. The 1992s are more approachable, supple, and come closest to resembling the superlative 1982s.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The Richebourg 1991 is showing just the first signs of bricking on the rim. It is more savoury than I expected with subtle gamey notes infusing the dense black fruit and a touch of leather in the background. The palate is robust and powerful at first, clearly very well balanced and then easing back with aeration as it becomes ever more elegant and slightly ferrous. There are plenty of tart red fruit toward the finish and when leaving it in my glass I noticed that the ferrous tincture on the palate begins to evolve on the nose. This Richebourg is cruising, and should continue to give pleasure over the next decade or two. Sublime.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 1991 Richebourg Grand Cru replicates the bottle that I tasted in 2015. Showing just slight ageing on the rim, it has a compelling, quite meaty bouquet with blackberry, briary and loamy notes, great depth and power, though maybe not quite as charming as the 1990. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, less tart than the previous bottle with a grippy, truffle and cedar-tinged finish that fans out wonderfully. This has got much more to give, though you could happily polish off a bottle now. Tasted at the La Paulée in Beaune.