2022 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, DRC, Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Bottle (750ml)

DR97 Tasted in bottle, the Grands Echézeaux thrills with its concentration in a dramatic shift from the Echézeaux. The wine shows more black fruit aromas than red, and the influence of the spice notes from the oak ageing is less apparent. Although the wine is somewhat restrained initially, it has opened up from where it was in barrel. Today, the palate shows rewarding density, impressively firm tannins, and great length. There is more ripeness here than in the Echézeaux, even if the domaine picked it earlier. This is a remarkable wine with a long future before it. 18,793 bottles were produced in 2022.

AG96 Whereas the Echézeaux is refined, the 2022 Grands Echézeaux is quite powerful. A firm spine of tannin gives the 2022 the explosive vertical feel of a skyscraper. Dark red fruit, licorice, incense and dried herbs begin to appear with time in the glass. The 2022 is a Burgundy for readers who can be patient. Some of the DRC 2022s will drink well on release, but the Grands-Echézeaux is not among them. It needs time.