Romanée Saint Vivant, Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2020

The 2020 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru was picked on 26 and 28 August at 31.8hL/ha. There is a luxuriant lament on the nose that unfurls with each swirl. With blackberry and wild strawberry, a touch of potpourri and pressed iris flower, this is beautifully-defined. It needs five minutes before the aromatics are fully unwound. The palate is medium-bodied with lace-like tannins that frame the pure dark berry fruit, judiciously sprinkled with white pepper and bay leaf hints. There is a subtle crescendo towards its structured finish, a nuanced marine note lingering on the aftertaste. Sublime. 1,718 cases produced. Tasted at Corney & Barrow’s annual in bottle tasting in London.