WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
Romanee-St-Vivant is flirtatious; one cannot help loving it. Behind this grace resides a strength in such perfect balance that, at first, it is imperceptible.
TASTING NOTES:
Bertrand de Villaine sometimes refers to Romanée-St-Vivant as 'monastic' and there can indeed be a taut, almost ascetic note to the wine when it’s young. This is the tightest and most focused of the 2017s, showing subtle, struck match reduction, chalky top notes and subtle whole bunch aromas of clove and aniseed. The palate is refined, refreshing and almost mouth-watering, with red cherry and wild strawberry fruit, underlying tension and wonderful length.
- Decanter, 97 pts.
The 2017 Romanée-St-Vivant Grand Cru was also showing very well indeed, soaring from the glass with scents of cassis, violets, blood orange, cinnamon and espresso roast that are complemented by carnal nuances of smoked duck and musk. On the palate, it's full-bodied, multidimensional and enveloping, with terrific concentration, rich and powdery structuring tannins and a long, saline finish. This is a dramatic, head-turning Romanée-St-Vivant in the making, and it is showing even better in bottle than it did from barrel.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 pts.
