1991 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echézeaux Grand Cru

The Echezeaux is usually DRC's lightest wine. The 1991 displays a deep ruby color, a tight but promising bouquet of smoky oak and rich red and black fruits, and moderate tannin in the finish. More backward and dense than normal, it should be at its best between 1996-2008. NOTE: Prices have not been released; those listed are estimated based on recent vintages. As did most Burgundy domaines, the DRC had exceptionally low yields in 1991, ranging from under 20 hectoliters per hectare to a high of 26 hectoliters per hectare for the Grands Echezeaux. Unquestionably, all of these wines are successful and should age for two decades. Although the wines have already been bottled, they will not be released until late winter or early spring 1994, thus prices have not yet been established. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA. NOTES ON THE 1992s FROM BARREL: While I cannot say the 1992s are superior to the 1991s, they are completely different in style. The 1992s are more approachable, supple, and come closest to resembling the superlative 1982s.

DRC performed exceptionally well in '91 and this Echézeaux is no exception. Reserved yet elegant nose that is a combination of primary fruit and spicy secondary aromatics followed by deep, rich, still tannic flavors that show uncommon depth and lots of buffering sève on the long, complex finish. While this can be enjoyed now, it will be better in 5 years and should drink beautifully for another 10 after that. A very classy wine. Note also that another recent bottle was marred by enough brett to diminish the overall enjoyment though from a maturity standpoint, it was consistent with other bottles, which is to say right on the front edge of prime drinkability. Allen Meadows, Burghound Mar29,2008