1953 Romanee Conti
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Tasting notes
The Romanée-Conti 1953 was the second vintage after the vineyard was replanted in 1945, so one must remember that the vines were just seven years old (assuming that the ground was not left fallow.) Mature in color with pale brick rim, it has a clean and well defined bouquet that if I am being truly honest, is missing the vigor that you might expect. It suggests that it might have been pretty in the past, but it is too ephemeral for my liking. I prefer the palate that is precise and balanced, elegiac with autumn leaves, tobacco and dried flowers. Over five minutes it gently builds in the mouth and meanwhile, the aromatics develop fireside hearth scents and gain intensity. I would drink any bottles in the near future and I suspect that vintages such as 1955 or 1959 will have more to offer in their dotage. That said, Aubert de Villaine intimated that he had encountered better bottles in the past, hence the plus sign accompanying my score.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Allen Meadows, Burghound
More reviews and scores
The Romanée-Conti 1953 was the second vintage after the vineyard was replanted in 1945, so one must remember that the vines were just seven years old (assuming that the ground was not left fallow.) Mature in color with pale brick rim, it has a clean and well defined bouquet that if I am being truly honest, is missing the vigor that you might expect. It suggests that it might have been pretty in the past, but it is too ephemeral for my liking. I prefer the palate that is precise and balanced, elegiac with autumn leaves, tobacco and dried flowers. Over five minutes it gently builds in the mouth and meanwhile, the aromatics develop fireside hearth scents and gain intensity. I would drink any bottles in the near future and I suspect that vintages such as 1955 or 1959 will have more to offer in their dotage. That said, Aubert de Villaine intimated that he had encountered better bottles in the past, hence the plus sign accompanying my score. eRobertParker.com.April, 2015
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.