Corton Rouge, Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2013

**Note: from parcels measuring .57 ha in Clos du Roi, 1.2 ha in Bressandes and .5 ha in Renardes; de Villaine noted that for the time being only two-thirds of the vines are being included in this blend and that the new wood percentage had been reduced to 50% in 2013**
A very fresh and expressive nose features notes of dried flowers, pungent earth, plum, dark berries and plenty of the sauvage. I was impressed by the texture of the broad-shouldered and muscular flavors that possess very good volume and ample punch on the complex, balanced and impressively persistent finish. This cuvée is definitely improving as the viticultural changes have been implemented and it's not hard to believe that it won't be too long before the Corton catches, if not necessarily surpasses, the Ech in terms of wine quality. This is more impressive than it might otherwise seem because the Echézeaux has itself made significant progress over the last 5 vintages.