2004 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, DRC, Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Bottle (750ml)

NM96 "A similar hue to the La Tache but the nose is much more expressive and lifted at first, then goes off in a strop for 30 minutes and then comes back again with a flourish of cherry, wild strawberry, white flowers and background of clear honey (a note I found on many 2005 Burgundies.) Very, very complex. The palate is very smooth and cohesive, not powerful at all, but a wine more of precision and focus. Smooth but not silky in texture with an earthy, cherry, green leaf finish. A bit linear at the moment, but the longer it remained in my glass, the more elegant and seductive it became. Touch of molasses on the aftertaste, again, something that appeared on many of the 2005’s. No doubt will prove to be a box of hidden pleasures. (471 cases produced)" NM for TWJ Dec 1999

WS95 "Offers classic green and leafy R-C aromas, with sweet berry and cherry underneath. This is intense, sappy, silky, rich and long, featuring berry notes that are bright and pure. Shows terrific persistence on the refined finish. -- Non-blind 2004 DRC tasting" BS for WS Dec 2012

Allen Meadows for BurgHound writes, "A supremely beautiful nose with a stunningly mélange of spice notes, floral notes, particularly violets, red and black berry fruit aromas plus nuances of earth, game and smoke combine to perfectly complement the reserved, pure and unbelievably precise and pure medium full flavors underpinned by sophisticated tannins and huge length. One of the aspects that I most admire about a great RC is that while other wines have class, Romanée-Conti defines the term. The other aspect that I find to be perhaps the most remarkable of all is the wine's ability to aggregate attributes unlike any other. Like the '04 La Tâche, this isn't the greatest vintage of Romanée-Conti I have ever tasted but it is one of the very finest in terms of the delicacy and harmony of expression. And also like the La Tâche, this may very well surprise to the upside if it adds weight. The finest of the DRC '04s with perfect balance." BT 94-96Pts Published: Jan 01, 2006