2017 Richebourg
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Tasting notes
Lalou Bize-Leroy's Richebourg Grand Cru is simply magnificent in 2017. Powerful and somber in the glass, the Richebourg possesses tremendous richness, intensity and energy. Dark fruit, spice, lavender, licorice and dried herbs all meld together in a Burgundy endowed with a huge center of depth and the structure to develop beautifully for decades. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Madame Bize-Leroy describes the 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru as "civilized", which I interpret to mean that this inherently supple, elegant vintage has tamed some of the climat's tendency to muscular power—an analysis with which I concur. Unwinding in the glass with complex aromas of cassis, dark berries, black truffles, rich soil tones and hints of rose petal and peony, the wine is full-bodied, deep and textural, with impressive concentration and rich but refined structuring tannins. The finish is long, sapid and perfumed. While I'm often inclined to give the domaine's Romanée-Saint-Vivant the edge over the Richebourg, the latter's elegance this year makes it more than usually difficult to pick favorites.
About the producer
For many, Domaine Leroy represents the pinnacle of fine Burgundy. Owned and run by the legendary Lalou Bize-Leroy, the domaine in Vosne-Romanée is one strand of the Leroy empire, along with Maison Leroy and Domaine d’Auvenay.