An exuberantly spicy and wonderfully floral nose exhibits additional aromas of poached plum, mocha, jasmine tea and an interesting hint of tangerine peel. The rich, concentrated and powerful bigger-bodied flavors possess an absolutely gorgeous mouthfeel thanks to the abundance of sappy dry extract that also buffers the firm core of ripe tannins shaping the stunningly long finish. This actually isn't quite as refined as the Petits Monts, but it is definitely more powerful and imposing, as well as slightly more structured. Jan 10, 2013, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
An overtly spicy and quite floral nose speaks of ripe dark currant, Asian-style tea and star anise. There is a lovely sense of refinement if only average density to the beautifully detailed and lightly mineral-driven medium weight flavors that conclude in a moderately austere and lingering finale. I like the balance and while this is a lovely wine, it's clear that it's not at the same level as the rest of the range. With that said, 10 to 12 years of keeping should see this at or near its peak. Jan 10, 2023, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
Subtle but perceptible wood toast frames the very ripe yet again quite fresh aromas of poached plum, dark currant and a broad array of spice elements. There is fine density to the bold medium weight plus flavors that brim with dry extract that buffers the beautifully long and youthfully austere finish that flashes a touch of sweetness. This is a big and highly complex Ech, indeed the word robust applies but I very much like the evident development potential, and speaking of which, this is also going to need extended patience. Jan 10, 2021, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
Here too there is a touch of oak toast surrounding the notably ripe but markedly restrained aromas of black cherry liqueur, violet, lavender, exotic tea and sandalwood. The rich, full-bodied and muscular flavors also brim with sappy dry extract that possess a seductive mouthfeel before culminating in a hugely long finish. Like the Echézeaux, this is a big, bold and robust effort that should develop gradually over the next 25 to 30 years. This contrast of power and refinement is potentially one of the greatest Grands Echézeaux the Domaine has produced in the 21st C though the 2019 will be a worthy rival. Jan 10, 2021, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
This is unusually cool and airy in the context of what is typical in 2018 with its restrained and beautifully layered nose of rose petal, violet, lavender, lilac, sandalwood and soy nuances that add incredible breadth to the mostly red berry-suffused aromas, all of which is trimmed in very subtle oak influence. There is outstanding volume to the big, muscular and robust flavors that also possess focused power where the intensity does a slow build from the mid-palate to the explosively long and decidedly austere finish that just lasts and lasts. This is somewhat less 2018 in style than the prior wines though it is clearly quite ripe. It is also a bit less refined than it usually is, at least at this early stage, though to be fair it is still in its formative stages so we will see how it comes along with more aging. I would observe though that it is already abundantly clear that this is a stunningly great LT; indeed it may well rival the 1999 in time, is going to develop quite slowly over a very long period. Jan 10, 2021, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
This too is very restrained though a bit of swirling quickly coaxes the ultra-spicy and very ripe nose to reveal liqueur-like aromas of black cherry, raspberry and cassis that are trimmed in a beautiful array of spice elements. There is outstanding intensity to the concentrated big-bodied flavors that brim with both minerality and dry extract that confers a sappy texture to the mid-palate while also enrobing the very firm tannic spine shaping the superbly complex, powerful and massively long finish. This is a stunningly good young Richebourg with simply amazing potential that should amply repay long-term cellaring. Jan 10, 2021, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
Here the nose is reduced though it has that curious type of reduction that the Burgundians refer to as bourgeon de cassis, which isn't unpleasant so much as it's atypical. There is terrific punch and detail to the middle weight flavors that aren't quite as concentrated or muscular as those of the Grands Echézeaux yet there is still impressive power on the wonderfully long finish. This is somewhat less refined than it usually is though by contrast it is more tannic and a wine that also should develop slowly over the next 20 to 25 years. I would add that I had the chance to taste from several different barrels and there were noticeable differences, in particular in terms of mid-palate volume and richness, so readers should take my projected range as provisional. Jan 10, 2020, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A completely different nose offers up much spicier and slightly toastier aromas of red currant, pomegranate, sandalwood and an interesting hint of incense. There is excellent vibrancy to the attractively textured middle weight flavors that don't have the minerality of the Corton but do offer slightly better depth and precision on the lingering finale that is shaped by relatively fine-grained tannins. This should be approachable a bit earlier than usual. Jan 10, 2020, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A cooler, more elegant and equally spicy nose of mostly red fruits and Asian-style tea is wonderfully fresh if notably more restrained. As is typically the case there is more size and weight to the broad-shouldered flavors that are shaped by firmer and slightly less fine-grained tannins on the impressively persistent finish. This is not as concentrated or powerful as it usually is but even so, it is going to require at least 10 years or so of patience and should amply reward 15 to 18. Jan 10, 2020, Allen Meadow's (Burghound.com)
A discreet application of wood frames the even more complex and spicier nose of relatively high-toned, cool and airy aromas of red berries, violet, rose petal, orange pekoe tea and a hint of leather. The sleek, intense and sophisticated middle weight plus flavors brim with both minerality and dry extract that buffers the slightly firmer tannic spine shaping the hugely long, powerful and beautifully harmonious finale. It would be fair to observe that this isn't the most concentrated Richebourg the Domaine has ever produced but it is one that should age effortlessly on its balance. In sum, this is a highly refined and elegant Riche with a positively gorgeous mouthfeel. Jan 10, 2010, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A markedly floral and very finely nuanced nose almost timidly reflects notes of rose petal, violet, red currant, sandalwood, tangerine peel and a whisper of anise. The sleek and strikingly refined medium-bodied flavors culminate in a sneaky long if decidedly compact and quite serious finish that is presently on the youthfully austere side. This is an exercise in lace and grace though not one without plenty of punch. Jan 10, 2020, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
An exuberantly fresh if restrained nose offers up a panoply of spice elements that add breadth to the mostly red berry fruit aromas that are laced with hints of violet, rose petal, lavender and a whisper of sandalwood. The tautly muscular broad-shouldered flavors possess outstanding mid-palate density as well as evident minerality on the focused, impeccably well-balanced and hugely persistent finale. While this would certainly be considered as a powerful wine in any general context, the 2016 version isn't quite as powerful as it often is. With that duly noted, it is however a bit more refined than usual so the '16 Riche could be viewed as a lovely combination of power and refinement that should also successfully age for a very long time. Jan 15, 2018, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A more restrained and cooler nose reflects super-fresh and floral-inflected aromas of exceptionally spicy red and dark currant, violet, plum and tea. There is a highly refined mouthfeel to the almost lacy yet concentrated middle weight flavors that possess first-rate complexity on the balanced and wonderfully persistent if youthfully austere finish. This crunchy effort is class in a glass with its emphasis on finesse which is quite different from the evident power and punch of the Corton. Textbook built-to-age RSV. Jan 10, 2019, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A wonderfully spicy, fresh and equally ripe nose blends together more deeply pitched notes of plum, violet, plum, sandalwood and hoisin wisps. There is impressive richness to the seductively textured yet quite powerful full-bodied flavors that possess excellent density thanks to the abundant dry extract that does a fine job of buffering the firm but not rigid tannins on the mouth coating and strikingly long finish. This is built-to-age and like the Corton, this has made huge quality strides over the past ten vintages. Jan 15, 2018, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
Here the expressive nose is even spicier and more floral with its lovely array of rose petal, lilac and lavender scents adding elegance to the mostly dark pinot and earth aromas that are also trimmed in a bit of wood but in this case it is even more subtle. As is virtually always the case this is bigger, richer, more powerful and more muscular with excellent volume to the rich and mouth coating flavors that deliver superb length on the chiseled, robust and hugely long finale. Patience will definitely be required. Jan 15, 2017, Allen Meadow's (Burghound.com)
This is perhaps the most floral wine in the range in 2014 plus it's even spicier than the RSV if not the La Tâche with its rose petal, violet, lilac, Asian spice, sandalwood, dark berry liqueur and lavender-scented nose. Not surprisingly this is both bigger and richer than the RSV with excellent muscle and intensity to the mineral-driven broad-shouldered flavors that deliver stunningly good complexity on the impressively concentrated but seamlessly well-balanced finale that really fans out as it sits on the palate. While this is certainly robust, the 2014 Riche displays a bit more refinement than usual at this early stage of its development. Jan 15, 2017, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A very fresh and expressive nose features notes of dried flowers, pungent earth, plum, dark berries and plenty of the sauvage. I was impressed by the texture of the broad-shouldered and muscular flavors that possess very good volume and ample punch on the complex, balanced and impressively persistent finish. This cuvée is definitely improving as the viticultural changes have been implemented and it's not hard to believe that it won't be too long before the Corton catches, if not necessarily surpasses, the Ech in terms of wine quality. This is more impressive than it might otherwise seem because the Echézeaux has itself made significant progress over the last 5 vintages. Jan 15, 2016, Allen Meadow's (Burghound.com)
A beautifully spicy if distinctly reticent nose features notes of cassis, plum, violets, lilac, herbal tea and sandalwood. There is excellent richness to the generously proportioned and very suave medium-bodied flavors that deliver fine depth and length on the balanced, focused and attractively vibrant finale that displays just a hint of youthful edginess. While this should age effortlessly it should also be more approachable sooner than the Corton. Jan 15, 2016, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
Deep ruby. Once again a highly reticent nose only grudgingly gives up discreet, if attractively perfumed, notes of rose petal, spice and an ultra-pure assortment of red berry fruit scents. Like the Riche this possesses that wonderful inner mouth perfume that makes the Vosne grand crus justifiably so famous. There is wonderful intensity to the sleek big-bodied flavors that display plenty of punch and authority on the impeccably well-balanced and hugely long and very firmly structured finish. While La Tâche is often a very powerful wine, the 2013 version seems particularly so and it would be accurately described as a beautiful combination of power and refinement. Jan 15, 2016, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
Here the floral and spice characters are quite prominent on the sandalwood and spice suffused red and dark currant aromas. The suave yet well-detailed medium-bodied flavors brim with dry extract before terminating in a very firm but not hard green tea-inflected finish that delivers excellent length and impressive depth. I very much like the balance and about the only nit is a hint of warmth. As I have observed several times recently, this wine continues to make real progress relative to what was typically good but not exceptional quality in the context of the appellation. 2012 definitely continues that upward progress. Jan 15, 2015, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A more deeply pitched and more complex nose also evidences plenty of floral influence on the gorgeously spicy red and black pinot fruit scents that are trimmed in just enough wood to notice. There is excellent volume and punch to the big-bodied, concentrated and brooding flavors that also brim with an abundance of dry extract, all wrapped in an intensely mineral-driven, explosive and strikingly persistent finish. What I find interesting is how such a big wine delivers this much power and muscle with no impression of weight or undue heaviness. As is usually the case at this early juncture, this is very tight, compact and linear and a wine that is going to need at least 18 to 20 years to reveal its full potential. Jan 15, 2015, Allen Meadow's (Burghound.com)
Though this is by no means exuberant, it's clear that there is good ripeness to the spiced green tea, hoisin, soy, anise, sandalwood and rose petal aromas. The cool, pure and seductively textured medium weight plus flavors brim with both minerality and plenty of dry extract that buffers the extremely firm but not hard shaping tannins on the overtly austere if seriously persistent finish. This is perhaps best described as a block of stone at present and while the tannins are quite fine they are dense and coat the mouth. This is clearly going to need a lot of time and unlike several of the wines in the range, it's not likely to be a good candidate for early drinking. Despite the presence of plenty of volume and muscle, I would still describe 2012 as a vintage of finesse for this storied wine. In a word, brilliant. Jan 15, 2015, Allen Meadow's (Burghound.com)
A discreet touch of wood sets off the gorgeously floral, ripe and wonderfully spicy nose of red currant, menthol, black cherry and cassis aromas. There is impressive volume and richness to the naturally sweet, silky and mouth coating medium weight flavors that are shaped by fine-grained tannins on the firm, complex, balanced and strikingly persistent finale that really fans out as it lingers on the palate. This wine continues to make really impressive progress. Jan 15, 2014, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
This is also intensely floral, in fact it may very well be the most floral wine in the range. Though it may not be quite as elegant as the Romanée St. Vivant it is arguably even more aromatically complex with a wonderfully fresh if restrained nose of hoisin, black fruit, soy and anise. There is remarkable concentration of dry extract that completely buffers the otherwise tightly wound tannic spine while pushing it to the background as the broad-shouldered flavors culminate in a balanced, long and velvety mineral-inflected finish that delivers astonishing persistence. While the Domaine's 2011s will in general drink well earlier than is typical, the Riche may be an exception to that generalization. Jan 15, 2014, Allen Meadow's (Burghound.com)
Discreet wood sets off a wonderfully elegant, airy and ultra-pure dark pinot fruit nose that is perhaps even more reticent and shut down than the La Tâche and only seriously aggressive swirling can reveal stubborn notes of rose petal, spice and menthol influence. The ultra-silky but firm medium-scaled flavors are also blessed with an impressive abundance of dry extract that buffers the prominent but ripe supporting tannins on the moderately austere, deep and palate coating finish. The length here is genuinely amazing, indeed even at this early juncture this is already the longest wine in the range. As it virtually always is at this point in its development, this is an exercise in understatement, poise and controlled power with an unrivaled purity of expression. In sum, this is Zen-like. As to whether it will ultimately be better than the La Tâche in 2011 remains to be seen but for now the two seem to be neck and neck from a purely qualitative perspective. Jan 15, 2014, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A soaring and gorgeously complex and highly spiced nose is distinctly cool and overtly floral in character with its notes of violet and rose petal, hoisin, soy and clove along with black pinot fruit, cassis and plum. The impressively intense and very serious broad-shouldered flavors possess outstanding mid-palate concentration before culminating in a strikingly long and palate staining finish. This stunningly long effort is quite fine by the usual standards of the appellation because while this is certainly muscular, it's taut and sleek rather than robust. Not surprisingly at only 9 years of age, this beauty is still very much on the way up and is a wine that will need at least another decade to arrive at its peak and 15 more years would not surprise me. Apr 30, 2019, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
An ultra-pure, cool and remarkably elegant mix of wonderfully spicy, red and blue pinot fruit, red currant and wild red berries that are openly floral in character. The overtly stony flavors are shaped by notably firm yet extremely fine tannins and while there is ample power and vibrancy, the palate feel is all silk and satin. To be sure, this is a big wine with impressive concentration but 2010 is a vintage for LT of refinement and polish if not exactly finesse. Even so, it's still going to require some 20 to 25 years of cellar time before it reaches its full majority but when it does, it will be considered one of the all-time great vintages for this incredibly storied wine. Apr 14, 2018, Allen Meadows' (Burghound.com)
At nine years of age, this remains a brooding and introverted effort with a clearly sauvage-inflected nose of deeply pitched plum and a variety of purple fruit aromas that are liberally sprinkled with earth and spice nuances. There is excellent richess to the overtly powerful and robust big-bodied flavors that are dense and altogether serious, all wrapped in a complex and well-muscled finish that flashes a hint of warmth. A classic if ripe Corton built to age and it will definitely need it. Tasted thrice since 2015 with mostly consistent notes save for one bottle that displayed a whiff of brett. Apr 14, 2018, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A discreet but incredibly complex nose features notes of spicy, pure and relatively high-toned fruit that is laced with plenty of rose petal and violet hints. There is excellent energy and freshness to the lacy and stunningly precise broad-scaled flavors that build in intensity from the densely concentrated mid-palate to the explosive and mouth coating finish that seemingly goes on without end. This is a big LT with ample muscle and very firm but not aggressive structure along with superb depth of underlying material and positively mind-blowing length. But the real genius of this wine is the Zen-like harmony and poise though note that it is very tightly wound and will need many years of cellaring before it will be completely ready. In a word, magnificent. Jan 10, 2012, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
This takes a while to get going because like the Richebourg, this is initially reduced so you'll need to decant it if you're going to sacrifice a young wine on the altar of curiosity. After aggressive swirling, a highly expressive and kaleidoscopic nose offers up a dazzling breadth of aromas with more rose petal and violet notes combining with those of kirsch, herb and humus, all of which are reflected by the ripe, pure and extremely fresh silkily-textured big-bodied flavors that possess firm tannins that are completely enrobed by the impressive amount of extract that also coats the mouth on the hugely long and ever-so-slightly minty finish. The '08 La Tâche is not an especially powerful wine by its standards and it's more like a gymnast with its sleek muscularity. That said and again like the Richebourg, all of the structural elements are not yet in perfect balance but the sheer length of the finish is immense, which is always a very positive sign. Jan 01, 2011, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A slightly less elegant but more complex nose that is intensely floral with a superb range of spice and fruit elements woven into the aromatic framework but the primary non-fruit nuance is a very distinctive rose petal character that gives way to detailed, pure and vibrant broad-shouldered flavors that drive home to an explosive, powerful, linear and tautly muscled finish where effects of the stem are quite evident. This is at present extremely backward and it's clear that not all of the structural elements are in sync. Jan 01, 2011, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)