1993 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echézeaux Grand Cru

An explosive black fruit nose of obvious breed and classic leads to very firm, densely concentrated, massively structured flavors of superb depth and extract and a somewhat short finish. This has all the material it needs for a very long life and it should go for 30 years with no difficulty at all if properly stored. At present, it's still sorting itself out but it should be worth the wait.

The medium ruby-colored Echezeaux offers a fragrant, open nose of red and black fruits, and spicy, smoky new oak, excellent concentration, good power, medium body, and plenty of firm tannin in the closed, compact, clean finish. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the subsequent 12-15. The DRC's 1993s possess the vintage's toughness, tannic structure, austerity, and aging potential. They will not be flattering to drink in their youth, and most will require 6-10 years of cellaring. Typical of the vintage, they appear to be the most tannic and structured wines made at this domaine since 1983. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

The once explosive black fruit nose has now begun to evolve and while still showing obvious class and breed, also displays the front edge of maturing fruit, spice and earth notes that leads to still firm but softening flavors that possess impressive concentration with excellent depth of extract and lovely persistence. This has all the material it needs for a very long life and it should go for 30 years with no difficulty at all if properly stored. For my personal taste, I would continue to cellar this beauty until 2010 or so but it could certainly be approached now with pleasure. Tasted twice recently with consistent results. Allen Meadows, Burghound Dec20,2008