1994 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Saint-Vivant Marey Monge Grand Cru

While the '94 RSV possesses a very pretty, indeed even elegant nose offering moderate nuances of spice and a mix of now secondary red and black fruits with a slight stemmy character that is picked up by the middle weight flavors that are dominated by mildly astringent tannins that will probably never completely integrate. An average effort that does not transcend the vintage. I would be drinking this sooner than later as it risks drying out in time. Allen Meadows, Burghound Jun16,2009

Tasted two bottles, the second of which was better, but both offered a backward, angular, medium-bodied wine that's very closed and tough. Interesting mocha, spice, licorice, red- and blackberry aromas follow through on the palate, but you wish the finish was more supple and balanced, and not dominated by green, dry and astringent tannins that are surprisingly rustic for such a glamorous wine. Given its track record, perhaps it will smooth out with several year of cellaring, but unlike some top '94 grands crus, it lacks harmony at this stage. Perhaps better after 2005. 1,600 cases made. Wine Spectator Sep 30, 1997