1979 Romanee St Vivant
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Tasting notes
The 1979 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru is a delightful wine that surpassed my expectations, though this vintage has its fair share of hidden gems. Bricked core, as you would expect, the bouquet is quite open and expressive with subtle hints of menthol and singed leather. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with hints of iron filings amongst the red fruit. There is a tenderness to this RSV that is endearing, with a harmonious bay-tinged finish that begs you back for more. Superb.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Allen Meadows, Burghound
More reviews and scores
Aromatically the 1979 Romanée St.-Vivant (tasted from jeroboam) is quite similar to the Échézeaux, but it is on the palate where the two wines diverge. The Romanée St. Vivant has more mid-palate pliancy and a long, gorgeous finish to match. The 1979 is fully mature, but like the Échézeaux, it will drink well for a number of years, even if there is no further upside to be gained from holding bottles further. Dried rose petals, dried cherries and spices linger in the glass.
About the producer
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti or simply “DRC” is without doubt the most famous domaine in Burgundy and one of the most famous producers on earth. The Grand Cru vineyard from which it takes its name produces the world’s most expensive wine by a long margin.