1965 Romanee Conti
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Tasting notes
The 1965 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru is one of the most extraordinary wines that I have tasted. Served blind by Aubert de Villaine, nobody could imagine it comes from such a miserable growing season. It is one of the latest picked Romanée-Contis: not until October 23 were the vendangeurs dispatched into the vineyard, the yield was 24hl/ha. The nose is not intense but with reasonable complexity, just faint traces of camphor and decayed autumn leaves infusing the red fruit. It declines with aeration but only after 20 minutes. The palate is medium-bodied with astonishing vigor and no signs of grey rot or dilution. Actually quite fresh, you might quibble at the rusticity and brevity of this wine but show me another 1965 Burgundy as good as this. Tasted on the Cutty Sark at Corney & Barrow's DRC dinner.
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Neal Martin
Allen Meadows, Burghound
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Firstly, it should be said that a mischievous Aubert de Villaine served the Romanée-Conti 1965 blind. A couple of people guessed correctly, though I suspect they were hedging their bets on an anniversary vintage rather than the quality of the wine. The long and short of it is, the 1965 is miles better than it has any right to be given that this was reputedly one of the worst growing seasons ever. It is clear in colour, faded with a tuile rim. The nose is quite complex–not intense, but defined, with a hint of camphor complementing those decayed autumn leaves. The aromatics decline, but only after 15 to 20 minutes. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced with surprising presence of a wine 50 years old. The tannins feel a little rustic and it tapers dramatically toward the finish, but for a short while this is actually very enjoyable. I'll probably never drink it again–but what an experience.
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.