2002 Romanee-St-Vivant
By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
2002 Romanee-St-Vivant from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France
The 2002 Romanee-St-Vivant from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti transcends one's notion of Burgundy's prowess in delivering Pinot Noir with an expression of such finesse that it gracefully vaults across the palate. In weaving an intricate mosaic of nuance, this particular vintage marvellously encapsulates the virtue of its lineage.
A Vintage Chronicle: 2002 Romanee-St-Vivant
The narrative of the 2002 vintage in Burgundy is one of a fairytale, a year that blessed the rows of vines throughout this storied region with weather that bordered upon the ideal. This unerring meteorological serendipity resulted in a crop lauded for both its exceptional quality and its rather generous yields. Subsequently, the 2002 Romanee-St-Vivant from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti emerged as an epitome of balance and elegance.
Climatic Nuance and Oenological Craft
On deeper examination, this vintage flaunts a rubescent glow akin to garnets bathed in soft evening light—an aesthetic bow to its climatic provenance. The nose is haunted by whispers of violets and cherries, etched with an ever-so-subtle hint of fine spice, alluding to summers past which fostered their ripening. On the tongue, one discovers a symphony orchestrated with silk and satin tannins that bond seamlessly with the dark fruit core, enveloping the palate in a dance that remains long after the final curtain call.
Turning towards investable merits, seasoned connoisseurs will be quick to identify the long-ageing potential of this collectible sect of Pinot Noir. Its current maturity invites enthusiasts to savour or cellar further, building intrigue amongst investors seeking both pleasure and portfolio diversification.
A Luminary Experience for Collector and Connoisseur Alike
In conclusion, the composite that is the 2002 Romanee-St-Vivant from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti articulates its vintage character through opulent textures and aromatic poetry. To be presented with such a bottle is to gaze through a crystal at time's intricate hand upon Burgundy's soul—a narrative enshrined within liquid borders for the discerning palate to explore.
Market price (CAD)
$65,010.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
2604
Scores and tasting notes
The 2002 Romanée Saint Vivant from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has a heavenly bouquet. It was served blind but the tangible stem addition betrayed the grower, particularly when it was later compared next to an Henri Jayer. The bouquet is very complex with red berries, tree bark, a touch of dried blood and smoke, but what is striking is the delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and as you would expect, extremely well balanced. There is plenty of sappy red fruit here suffused with sage and rosemary, a touch of spice enlivening a finish that has impressive density (so much so that it could pass as a Richebourg.) I was not the only person to notice how it became more more savory and ferrous in the glass, after 30 minutes suggesting a touch of Japanese tea (the proper, thickly textured type). Just wondrous. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 3 March 2016