Domaine de la Romanee Conti Richebourg 2019 750ml

The 2019 Richebourg from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti exemplifies this Grand Cru's reputation as perhaps the most opulent and exotic of all Burgundies. In a vintage that perfectly balanced ripeness with freshness, DRC has crafted a Richebourg that captures both the sensual richness suggested by its name and the aristocratic refinement that defines the domaine's style.

The nose is immediately captivating in its exotic complexity. The 2019 vintage's warmth has produced fruit of exceptional ripeness - black cherry liqueur, cassis, and wild strawberry preserve - yet there's no hint of overripeness or jamminess. What sets Richebourg apart is its distinctive spice-box character, here expressed through notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and star anise. The floral component is equally impressive - roses, violets, and exotic oriental flowers create an almost perfumed quality. Deeper inhalation reveals the beginning of complex secondary notes - leather, black truffle, and forest floor.

On the palate, this wine demonstrates why Richebourg is considered the most hedonistic of Burgundy's Grand Crus. The texture is extraordinarily plush and velvety, with a richness that seems to coat every surface of the palate. Yet despite this opulence, the wine maintains perfect balance and elegance - a testament to both the vintage's natural equilibrium and DRC's masterful touch. Flavors of black cherry, plum, and mixed berry compote are enhanced by exotic spices, dark chocolate, and espresso, creating layers of complexity that unfold continuously.

The 2019 vintage has produced a Richebourg of unusual completeness. The warmth provided concentration and ripeness, while preserved acidity ensures freshness and aging potential. Mid-palate, the wine reveals additional dimensions - Asian spices, incense, aged balsamic, and that distinctive iron-rich minerality that grounds all the exotic elements. The whole-cluster inclusion adds freshness and spice without any green notes, contributing to the wine's extraordinary complexity.

What makes this Richebourg particularly successful is how it balances immediate appeal with long-term potential. While more accessible in youth than the 2018 or 2020 vintages, it clearly possesses the structure and concentration for extended aging. This is Richebourg showing both its sensual and intellectual sides - immediately pleasurable yet rewarding careful analysis.

The finish is remarkably persistent, with waves of spice, fruit, and exotic flavors that seem to build rather than fade. This is a wine that demands the finest cuisine - aged game, dishes with truffle or exotic mushrooms, or the richest preparations of duck or squab. Yet it possesses such completeness that it can be savored on its own as a meditation on one of Burgundy's greatest terroirs. While approachable now with appropriate decanting, this wine will evolve magnificently over the next 30-40 years, making it a cornerstone for any serious Burgundy collection.