Grands Echézeaux, Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2019

The 2019 Grands Echézeaux Grand Cru was picked on 19 and 20 of September at 28hL/ha. There is a tangible step up from the Echézeaux in terms of concentration and complexity. The fruit is slightly darker with blackberry and raspberry, wild hedgerow and touches of bay leaf. Beautiful definition. The palate is medium-bodied with lace-like tannins, a beguiling sense of symmetry and poise. More dimension here than the Echézeaux (in fact, its architecture is akin to Richebourg). It fans out wonderfully towards the finish, velvety smooth with a judicious touch of spice lingering on the aftertaste. Bon vin. 884 cases produced. Tasted at Corney & Barrow’s annual in bottle tasting in London. 2027-2055

The colour is a little denser, a little richer than the Echezeaux. The bouquet is more backward, yet more complex. It is hard to put specific fruits to this. Increasing weight on the nose, all red berry, no black notes. The wealth of fruit attacks quickly and then stays, with fresh roses jostling among the lush but still quite precise fruit flavours. The structure maintains its role and helps to keep this powerful wine fresh. The volume now swells magically on the second half of the palate, with darker notes.