1990 Grand Echezeaux
By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1990 Grand Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France
In the annals of Burgundian history, the 1990 vintage year has been engraved as one of the most distinguished periods for not just Pinot Noir, but across the entire vinous spectrum. The 1990 Grand Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti represents a fulcrum, where tradition meets exceptional vintage conditions to produce an insatiable elixir.
Eminent Terroir Meets Quintessential Vintage
The allure of this extraordinary bottle can be ascribed to the almost mythical status of its esteemed producer and the serendipity of the season. A favourable spring preceded the idyllic culmination of a warm summer with enough hydration to stave off vine stress. Such conditions procured grapes of optimal ripeness, presenting an opulent fruit profile with a structure that defies the passage of time.
A Study in Elegance and Power
This particular 1990 bottling encapsulates a symphony of resonating fruit, intricately woven tannins, and an acidity that provides a backbone as sturdy as it is sleek. The nose is a tapestry of ripe cherries, stewed strawberries infused with subtle suggestions of exotic spices and truffles, bearing the undeniable signature earthiness that only true Grand Echezeaux terroir can impart. Each sip invites a cascade of layered complexity, providing a palate experience characterised by notes of black fruit confit and a lingering finish that speaks of finesse.
Decades Spanning Potential: An Investment Worthy Wine
In the continuum of fine wines, particularly those worthy of investment consideration, this wine holds a firm position. Its remarkable longevity has been recurrently touted; however, at this stage in its maturation, it unfurls into a regal stature that conveys gravitas with each swirl and taste.
In conclusion, the 1990 Grand Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti stands not only as an emblematic peak in the sloped vineyards of Burgundy but also shines as a beacon for collectors and investors. It captivates with its balance of intensity and elegance—a true masterpiece from an illustrious estate in an unforgettable vintage.
Market price (HKD)
HK$456,000.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
3669.23
Scores and tasting notes
The Grands Echezeaux is broader than the Echezeaux, with more black-raspberry and black-cherry elements in its smoky, exotic nose, as well as a longer, more opulent and fleshy finish. Slightly superior to the Echezeaux, its lifeline should be similar - between 1995-2010 . The DRC 1990s, all of which were bottled in April/May, are among the deepest colored wines from this domaine that I have tasted in the last decade. Moreover, they are firmly structured, with significant tannins from both the vintage and from the aging in 100% new oak barrels. For the fortunate few who have had the discretionary income to afford the other great vintages of the DRC from the eighties, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1988, and 1989, the question is - are the 1990s superior? I am not sure they are any better than the 1980s, 1985, and 1988s, but they undoubtedly represent a classic, concentrated, long-lived style of wine. Moreover, all of these wines should have a more graceful evolution and broader window of drinkability than the tannic 1988s, as well as potentially greater longevity than the succulent and opulent 1985s. All of these offerings are outstanding, with that tell-tale complex, exotic fragrance that the DRC routinely achieves. NOTE: Prices had not been released (the wines will arrive in early 1993). I have inserted the same prices asked for the 1989 vintage as an approximation of what these wines will fetch. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 October 1992