1988 Domaine Leroy Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru

The 1988 Romanée Saint-Vivant Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy was, of course, the debut vintage released under Lalou Bize-Leroy's name. Now at 28 years of age, it is probably beginning its descent from its peak in the 1990s although it continues to give drinking pleasure. Deep in color for the vintage, it offers pleasant cranberry, undergrowth, crushed violet petal and clove aromas that feel a little "dimmed" by the passing years. The palate is a little chunky compared to more recent vintages that I have tasted, quite tart in the mouth and conveying an almost Bordeaux-like structure on the finish that now feels a little short. Any bottles should be consumed in the near future because it is in gentle decline, albeit from a high peak. Tasted September 2016.