France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Expressive, intense bouquet with fresh dark berries, lots of spices, some stems and earthy notes. Quite complex, superb precision and exciting. Same intensity on the palate with a fresh blue and dark red fruit core, loads of spices, stems and earthy notes. The wine has a lot of freshness. The harmony is on a good level although the acidity is not yet perfectly integrated. Easy drinking, not as much substance as the others and not as ethereal but still great. The DRC Corton’s are getting better and better every year. 94pts.
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Echezeaux Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Intense nose with dark berries, fresher blue fruit, some spices. Not fully open like the Corton but still quite enchanting. On the palate this shows lots of fresh forest berries, from blue to black and some brighter red berries. Spices, earthy notes and crushed rocks complement the picture. Others found the fruit a bit too prominent and powerful. I found the balance quite good. Quite elegant and airy but with still a bit of hard edges which will mellow away in a few years. Superb freshness and good length. 94+pts
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: As always, the Grands Echezeaux is a touch riper than the others with ripe dark berries, spices and minerality at the core of the nose. On the palate this is very mineral driven with lots of dark and dark red berries wrapped around it. Less spicy than the Corton and Echezeaux next to it. A wall of fine tannins but still some hard edges which time will mellow. Overall, this is not fully open but still quite expressive. 93+pts
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Expressive, very intense bouquet with lots of dark red and dark fruit, smokey notes, some toasty notes and an intense minerality. At first a bit muted, the wine quickly opened up. Without showing everything it has in store, it presents itself already with so much complexity and hyper precision. On the palate this is the most gentle, most finessed wine of the day with fine red berries, wet stones, some earthy and stems notes and hints of smoke, some fine sweet burnt sugar notes. Very fine structure with ultra fine tannins and a high and prefectly integrated acditiy. Complete and harmonious. The best red wine today. 96/97pts.
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Richebourg Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: A monster of a Pinot Noir. Very intense, dark and dusty nose with a lot of power. Intense ripe dark fruit notes, some reduction, wet earth, and intense stems. On the palate very intense dark cherries, sour cherries, with time brighter red berry notes, herbs, stems, reduction notes, toasted notes, smoke, crushed rocks. Very powerful and intense but with fine tannins, which will need a decade or two to fully soften, high but well integrated acidity, no excess weight and already a good balance. At first this was a bit too powerful and with some hard edges (probably drinking on a 93pts level) but with time and air this opened up more, revealing layers and layers of ever-changing aromas and it soften quite a bit, becoming more balanced and elegant. Superb. 96pts.
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, La Tâche Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: As usual, the La Tache and especially the Romanee Conti are the most backward wines in the lineup, only hinting at their potential. The La Tache has a rather intense and spicy nose with ripe dark fruit at the core. With time, more blue fruit and wet stone notes come forward. On the palate, the finesse and tannin quality is a step above the other wines. Intense and ultra-silky with fine dark fruit, spices, herbs, crushed stones, stems, with the fruit and spices in the foreground. This is probably the most seductive and staggering of the reds, but others were much more open and ready today. The potential, however, is undeniable. 95pts with potential for 98-100pts.
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Romanée-Conti Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: As usual, the La Tache and especially the Romanee Conti are the most backward wines in the lineup, only hinting at their potential. Quite subdued on the nose with some dark berries, herbs and stones shining through. The quality of the structure is impressive. The highlight is the elegance that the wine displays. The aromatic complexity and clarity are not yet there, with only some shy dark red and darker berries, crushed stones, stems and herbs showing, but you can feel the substance. With time it got a bit lighter and even airier, but it never opened up. I don't rate on potential and today this was a 92/93pts wine at best, but this can obviously reach much higher highs in a few decades.
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Intense, complex and enticing bouquet that jumps out of the glass with beautiful Coche-like toasted sesame, flint and crushed stone notes and underneath some citrus and fresh orchard fruit. A superb nose easily in the 97-99pts range. On the palate, the same toasted sesame, with quite ripe fruit, mainly quince and peach, but balanced by a strong minerality and especially a nice salinity on the long finish. Fresh, ethereal finish. A little too ripe and sweet on the palate at first, but with time this faded and the toasted sesame and salinity took the spotlight, with more fresh orchard fruit (think pear) and citrus notes coming forward. This is a great wine and stole the show today.
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Expectations are always very high, especially in a vintage like 2020, which was good for whites, but this Montrachet was not convincing. Initially quite reserved, it opened up a bit with time and more swirling, but never fully. In terms of complexity and precision, it could not compete with the CC in the next glass. The aromas were the same, with a nice salty core and much more citrus than ripe orchard fruit. The freshness is superb and should allow for graceful ageing. 91/92pts today, but my hope is that in 10 years this should open up and fill out.
2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton Domaine Prince Florent de Merode 94 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Expressive, intense bouquet with fresh dark berries, lots of spices, some stems and earthy notes. Quite complex, superb precision and exciting. Same intensity on the palate with a fresh blue and dark red fruit core, loads of spices, stems and earthy notes. The wine has a lot of freshness. The harmony is on a good level although the acidity is not yet perfectly integrated. Easy drinking, not as much substance as the others and not as ethereal but still great. The DRC Corton’s are getting better and better every year. 94pts.
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2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echezeaux 94 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Echezeaux Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Intense nose with dark berries, fresher blue fruit, some spices. Not fully open like the Corton but still quite enchanting. On the palate this shows lots of fresh forest berries, from blue to black and some brighter red berries. Spices, earthy notes and crushed rocks complement the picture. Others found the fruit a bit too prominent and powerful. I found the balance quite good. Quite elegant and airy but with still a bit of hard edges which will mellow away in a few years. Superb freshness and good length. 94+pts
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2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands-Echezeaux 93 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: As always, the Grands Echezeaux is a touch riper than the others with ripe dark berries, spices and minerality at the core of the nose. On the palate this is very mineral driven with lots of dark and dark red berries wrapped around it. Less spicy than the Corton and Echezeaux next to it. A wall of fine tannins but still some hard edges which time will mellow. Overall, this is not fully open but still quite expressive. 93+pts
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2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée St. Vivant 97 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Expressive, very intense bouquet with lots of dark red and dark fruit, smokey notes, some toasty notes and an intense minerality. At first a bit muted, the wine quickly opened up. Without showing everything it has in store, it presents itself already with so much complexity and hyper precision. On the palate this is the most gentle, most finessed wine of the day with fine red berries, wet stones, some earthy and stems notes and hints of smoke, some fine sweet burnt sugar notes. Very fine structure with ultra fine tannins and a high and prefectly integrated acditiy. Complete and harmonious. The best red wine today. 96/97pts.
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2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg 96 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Richebourg Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: A monster of a Pinot Noir. Very intense, dark and dusty nose with a lot of power. Intense ripe dark fruit notes, some reduction, wet earth, and intense stems. On the palate very intense dark cherries, sour cherries, with time brighter red berry notes, herbs, stems, reduction notes, toasted notes, smoke, crushed rocks. Very powerful and intense but with fine tannins, which will need a decade or two to fully soften, high but well integrated acidity, no excess weight and already a good balance. At first this was a bit too powerful and with some hard edges (probably drinking on a 93pts level) but with time and air this opened up more, revealing layers and layers of ever-changing aromas and it soften quite a bit, becoming more balanced and elegant. Superb. 96pts.
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2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche 95 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, La Tâche Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: As usual, the La Tache and especially the Romanee Conti are the most backward wines in the lineup, only hinting at their potential. The La Tache has a rather intense and spicy nose with ripe dark fruit at the core. With time, more blue fruit and wet stone notes come forward. On the palate, the finesse and tannin quality is a step above the other wines. Intense and ultra-silky with fine dark fruit, spices, herbs, crushed stones, stems, with the fruit and spices in the foreground. This is probably the most seductive and staggering of the reds, but others were much more open and ready today. The potential, however, is undeniable. 95pts with potential for 98-100pts.
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2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti 93 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Romanée-Conti Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: As usual, the La Tache and especially the Romanee Conti are the most backward wines in the lineup, only hinting at their potential. Quite subdued on the nose with some dark berries, herbs and stones shining through. The quality of the structure is impressive. The highlight is the elegance that the wine displays. The aromatic complexity and clarity are not yet there, with only some shy dark red and darker berries, crushed stones, stems and herbs showing, but you can feel the substance. With time it got a bit lighter and even airier, but it never opened up. I don't rate on potential and today this was a 92/93pts wine at best, but this can obviously reach much higher highs in a few decades.
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2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton-Charlemagne 97 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Intense, complex and enticing bouquet that jumps out of the glass with beautiful Coche-like toasted sesame, flint and crushed stone notes and underneath some citrus and fresh orchard fruit. A superb nose easily in the 97-99pts range. On the palate, the same toasted sesame, with quite ripe fruit, mainly quince and peach, but balanced by a strong minerality and especially a nice salinity on the long finish. Fresh, ethereal finish. A little too ripe and sweet on the palate at first, but with time this faded and the toasted sesame and salinity took the spotlight, with more fresh orchard fruit (think pear) and citrus notes coming forward. This is a great wine and stole the show today.
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2020 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet 91 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
All bottles were opened a few hours earlier, not decanted, but we had enough time to follow each wine for over an hour in the glass, which allowed for proper aeration and analysis. A few observations: 1) Without question, 2020 is a good vintage for the DRC. Similar to what I experienced in Bordeaux, the wines are less hedonistic and seductive than in 2019 (or 15/18), but have a little less substance. However, they shine with their purity of flavors, their lower ripeness and, above all, their superb freshness and airy texture. Classic. 2) The quality of the tannins is on a good level, but many of the reds will need time to soften. Today the Corton, RSV and RC were the only reds that did not show some hard edges. 3) La Tache (95pts) and (as always) the RC (93pts) were tight, even tighter than usual, only hinting at their potential. The top two reds, as in previous years, were the ever-improving, delicate RSV (97pts) and the deep, powerful and concentrated Richbourg (96pts). 4) The whites: The second vintage of CC (97pts) is outstanding (and my wine of the tasting), with lots of flint and toasted sesame notes and superb freshness and less overt weight than the Bonneau du Martray. The Montrachet (91pts), usually my favorite, was a bit underwhelming vs expectation, lacking the usual substance and poise, but it may just be in a dump phase.
TN: Expectations are always very high, especially in a vintage like 2020, which was good for whites, but this Montrachet was not convincing. Initially quite reserved, it opened up a bit with time and more swirling, but never fully. In terms of complexity and precision, it could not compete with the CC in the next glass. The aromas were the same, with a nice salty core and much more citrus than ripe orchard fruit. The freshness is superb and should allow for graceful ageing. 91/92pts today, but my hope is that in 10 years this should open up and fill out.
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