2023 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, DRC, Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Bottle (750ml)

DR99 The Romanée-Conti 2023 is strikingly good, as one might expect. The aromas are less forward, but an aromatic complexity develops on the palate. The full range of red and black fruit is there, touched with spice, floral, and earth notes, but it is nascent; the feel on the palate is massive, structured, and very long. Although it is less opulent than the 2022 vintage was at this stage, it seems a sure bet that in time it will be nearly as expressive. The grapes were picked on 11 September, right before the rain. NM99 The 2023 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru was picked on September 11 at 37.7 hl/ha. It is probably predictable and perhaps nauseating for me to write that in almost 30 years of tasting Romanée-Conti at this primordial stage, it ranks as one of the best. It is blessed with a mesmerising bouquet that gains complexity in the glass, mainly wild strawberry and raspberry, Earl Grey sat in its china cup a bit too long, hints of damp autumn leaves and a pinch of white pepper—all delivered with stunning delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, not powerful, utterly refined, perfectly pitched acidity with a transparency that is unrivalled within the Côte d'Or. Astonishing length. You can feel this lingering a minute after you swallow the wine (you don't really think I used the spittoon?) It builds in an amazing crescendo with a sense of effortlessness. 8,100 bottles produced. - Charles Curtis