Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Richebourg Grand Cru 1998

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Very good deep red-ruby. Pungent, expressive aromas of raspberry, black cherry, redcurrant, espresso and bitter chocolate. Very rich, sappy and deep, with chewy extract and lovely vinosity. Possible to taste right now owing to its sheer harmoniousness. Juicy framing acidity gives clarity to the flavors. Finishes very long and strong, with building but ripe tannins. This will benefit from eight to ten years of bottle aging but should be superb.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Ruby-red. Pungently spicy, bright aroma of raspberry and blackberry. Great purity, verve and complexity on the palate; offers a compelling combination of sweet fruit and juicy acidity. A wine of great volume and seamless texture. Finishes very long, with noble, fine tannins. An early knockout, but with the structure for long life.

vinous88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 1998 Richebourg Grand Cru comes as a disappointment after the '96. Quite mature in colour, the 1998 has a rustic and leathery nose, with just a faint touch of blackcurrant leaf. The palate lacks the grip of other vintages, a bit dry in style and missing energy. This was a very challenging vintage in the Côte de Nuits and I think this Richebourg suffers, especially in direct comparison with several other vintages. Tasted at the Richebourg vertical dinner in Taipei.