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)
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)
This is arguably the most floral-inflected nose in the range and, somewhat unusually, it's just as spicy as the La Tâche despite being as cool and restrained as it always is at this early stage. The focused, intense and beautifully well-delineated flavors are an exercise in refined and focused power, all wrapped in intensely mineral-inflected, youthfully austere and superbly persistent finish where a hint of warmth slowly emerges. In much the same fashion as the La Tâche, this is compact, backward and very tightly coiled yet the Zen-like sense of harmony is very much present. I was knocked out by just how marvelous this is and while it's obviously much too early to be tossing around "one of the greatest ever" accolades, it's at least possible that the 2018 RC could well be a candidate, which is of course really saying something. 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 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)
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 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)
A distinctly cool and restrained nose is comprised by notes of both red and dark currant, cinnamon, violet, Pekoe tea, clove, hoisin and sandalwood. The imposingly-scaled, concentrated and almost painfully intense mineral-driven flavors possess a beguiling inner mouth perfume that continues onto the robust, earthy and massively long finish. Like the Romanée St. Vivant this dense, structured and ultra-serious effort feels as though it is only beginning to take shape so again my range may be overly conservative. Jan 15, 2015, Allen Meadows (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)
As it was from cask this is more restrained than usual and it requires aggressive swirling to coax the pure and spicy essence of red berry fruit aromas to emerge from the glass where there is a slight hint of herbal tea present. There is a similar reserve to the distinctly focused and linear flavors that enjoy a seemingly unlimited reserve of dry extract that renders the fine-grained and silky tannins almost invisible at present though I suspect that they will become much more apparent once the baby fat melts away. There is superb complexity and fantastic length and this mineral-driven effort should be capable of drinking well after only 12 years or so of bottle age but require a solid 20 before it's completely mature. While La Tâche is almost by definition a superbly elegant wine there is also always an inner core of muscle. In 2011 it seems to have more of the former and a bit less of the latter, indeed this may the first vintage in quite a while where it is ready before the Richebourg. Jan 15, 2014, Allen Meadows (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)
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)
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)
As it usually the case, here the nose is even more elegant and prettier with a highly perfumed, layered and relatively high-toned aromatic profile that is quite floral along with offering up notes of oriental tea and exotic spice on the mostly red and blue pinot fruit scents. The detailed and ultra-refined flavors are crystalline in their purity and while they don't have the robust power of the Grands Echézeaux, there is notably more finesse and even a bit more overall length on the mildly austere finish. It's hard to capture mouth feel in words but think of lacy and silky textured flavors that possess a truly fine grain and you'll have a good idea about the palate impression of the '09 RSV. In a word, brilliant. 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)
As one would reasonably expect, this is notably more elegant with a pure, delicate and layered nose of floral notes, in particular rose and violet, along with clove, anise and sandalwood nuances that gracefully introduce rich, forward and generous flavors that retain a wonderful sense of tension, detail and refinement on the precise, textured and focused finish that offers tremendous length. For all its considerable attributes however, this remains an understated wine of harmony, grace and impeccable balance. A stunner of a wine. Jan 01, 2011, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
This is quite restrained at present with subtle spice and cool red fruit aromas leading to medium-bodied flavors that are fresh and quite pure before revealing a rich and detailed finish that is supported by firm but integrated tannins and excellent length. If there is a short coming, it's that there is limited depth though there is enough material that it may develop with a few years of bottle age. Jan 01, 2011, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A spicy, expressive and expansive nose of red berry fruit, distinct vegetal nuances, freshly sliced fennel and obvious earth notes that transfer over to the detailed, balanced and energetic flavors that possess excellent transparency on the vibrant and mouth coating finish. There is a lingering inner mouth perfume here that makes this quite seductive. Not surprisingly, this changed rather dramatically in the hour that I had to evaluate the '07s and the seemingly lighter weight flavors put on noticeable flesh though the nose slowly closed in on itself. Jan 30, 2010, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
A reserved yet equally kaleidoscopic nose of red, blue and violet aromas that is wonderfully broad, spicy, fresh, airy and layered leads to intensely floral, mineral infused and focused medium weight plus flavors that possess a strikingly attractive mouth feel and while in the context of the pantheon of great vintages of this storied wine, the '07 will be viewed as one of the lighter examples, the focus and balance here is nigh on perfect as the finish explodes into a hugely long finale, all underpinned by firm tannins and bright acidity. This may seem to be a lighter vintage but it will require at least 15 years of cellar time before this will be sufficiently civilized to drink with real pleasure and probably 25 before it's fully resolved. One other point bears mentioning: it's been a number of vintages since I last saw La Tâche best the Romanée-Conti but 2007 may be one of them. Jan 30, 2010, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
An extremely pure and equally restrained nose of red berry fruit and a range of spices that include hoisin, soy, clove and a perfumed incense character plus intense floral notes, including rose petal and violets of which glimpses can also be found on the vibrant and very firmly structured full-bodied flavors that culminate in a long, powerful and understated finish of immense length. The character here is completely different than that of the RSV because while the muscle of the RSV is more like that of a world class gymnast, here it is body builder-like without being coarse or inelegant. Most impressive and this is a bit like the GE in that the natural elegance of the '06 vintage has tamed somewhat the inherent tendency for there to be a certain robustness in Richebourg to create a harmonious whole. Now that the wine is in bottle, it struck me as a block of stone from which only the vaguest outlines of the final form of the statue have yet to emerge. Superb potential. Jan 01, 2009, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
An elegant but still quite restrained yet spicy nose runs toward the plum and blue berry side of the fruit spectrum. The floral-infused, structured and very serious middle weight flavors culminate in a youthfully austere finish offering huge depth and length with both precision and linearity. The hint of dryness the finish displayed just after the bottling has faded and this is ever-so-slightly more interesting than what I saw ten months ago as the balance is improved. Excellent potential but built for those who have patience. Jul 16, 2009, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
The soaring nose of spicy cassis, black cherry and violets this displayed from cask has now become very reserved and brooding, merging into rich, full and utterly delicious flavors that possess a beguiling texture and unusually fine tannins compared to what I typically see with the Ech. This is a big wine by any measure with excellent mid-palate density and superb length. Really good stuff and as the "value" play in the DRC line-up, one to strongly consider because it surpasses its normal quality level by more than a fair margin in 2005. Jan 01, 2008, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
This is in the same stylistic camp as the Grands Echézeaux as it is surprisingly understated and subtle with an intensely floral nose of red and black fruit aromas that are nuanced and beautifully elegant, merging seamlessly into linear, reserved, indeed almost brooding flavors that are as once supple yet precise and detailed, all wrapped in a powerful and muscular finish that delivers striking length. This is a really interesting wine because it's a wine of contrasts yet it works because there is a gorgeous combination of finesse and power and again, I really like the sense of drive and energy here as well as the first rate balance. A terrific '04. Jan 01, 2007, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
In contrast to the aromatic explosiveness of the Grands Ech, this is a good deal more reserved but much more elegant with floral and subtle spice notes adding nuance to the upper register ripe black fruit aromas that are clearly pinot in basic character. The flavors aren't as big or muscular as the Grands but there is better precision, elegance and purity here with strikingly complex and refined flavors that are supple on the mid-palate but quite firm on the finish. There is the barest trace of warmth but it's a background note and this is superbly classy juice. The '01 RSV laid to rest the now dated notion that this wine isn't at the same level as the rest of the range here and this hammers home the point with authority. A great wine of enormous class and style and it is perhaps the freshest wine in the range in 2003. Jan 01, 2006, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
While this is showing some signs of aromatic development, it's clear that this classically styled Richebourg has a long way to go before it's ready for prime time. This still requires some coaxing before it reveals wonderfully complex aromas of a simply incredible array of black fruits, earth, spice, crushed herbs and notes of hoisin and clove that lead to focused and medium-bodied flavors that are supple, rich and impressively powerful, all wrapped in a superbly well-detailed and focused if overtly austere finish. I particularly like the almost pungent minerality and this particular vintage of DRC Riche is evolving quite slowly and it's not clear that even my suggested initial drinking window of 2019+ will see this at its best. Nov 01, 2011, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com)
