2022 Richebourg

Average vine age 60 years, yield 42.6 hl/ha. Harvested 31 August, 1–4 September. Bottled 3 April 2024. Total production 1,211 x 12. Lightish cherry red. As in the Romanée-St-Vivant, the finest of peppery impressions. A little more floral, a little more stemmy freshness on first encounter. More marked by the stems than the Romanée-St-Vivant. Great intensity and a flush of fruit sweetness on the palate, a firmer tannin structure, filled out by crunchy dark-red fruit. Masses of energy and tension. Sinewy, finely tannic, lean build but clothed in energetic fruit. Vivid, stretched tight across the framework. Needs a little more time than the Romanée-St-Vivant. (JH)

The 2022 Richebourg Grand Cru was picked on 31 August and 1-4 September at 42.6 hL/ha. It has a scintilla more pixelation than the Romanée-Saint-Vivant when the two cuvées are juxtaposed. Out of barrel, I had the RSV with its nose in front, but the Richebourg is having none of that, delivering stunning aromatics of mineral-infused dark berry fruit, shucked oyster shells, lavender oil and light Japanese wakame scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a very mineral-driven entry to continue that theme. This is heavenly in terms of harmony and grace to the extent that you almost do not notice the untrammeled power wound up in this Richebourg. Fabulously sapid on the finish, it fans out and leaves a tingle of white pepper on the aftertaste. Magnificent. 1,211 cases produced.

The 2022 Richebourg Grand Cru has turned out beautifully. It wafts from the glass with aromas of sweet plums and raspberry preserves mingled with notions of pipe tobacco, exotic spices and orange zest and is framed by a deft touch of classy new oak. Full-bodied, rich and layered, it's ample and enveloping, with a generous core of fruit and a lavish, suave profile.