1990 Richebourg
By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1990 Richebourg from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France
The magnificence of Burgundy's exceptional terroir is epitomised in the 1990 Richebourg from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. As a wine critic with a fondness for chronicling the intricacies of climatic influence on viticulture, the 1990 vintage stands as a testament to an exemplary marriage of earth and vine under ideal conditions.
A Vintage Defined by Elegance and Precision
Lauded as one of the more favorable years in Burgundian history, 1990 was marked by a near-perfect growing season, culminating in wines of both profound complexity and immediate charm. The weather gods were benign, allowing for unstressed ripening and optimal harvest conditions—a boon for the noble Pinot Noir which flourished within the hallowed plots of Richebourg.
The 1990 Richebourg is a showcase of meticulous viniculture, and its three decades of evolution have gently coaxed out layers of subtlety that serve to accentuate its grandeur. In this bottle lies a constellation of aromas; ripe cherries, seasoned wood, alongside haunting hints of truffle and spice. A palate imbued with a silken texture, the robust yet finessed tannins offer complex notes of macerated fruit interlaced with deeper earthy tones—it is Burgundy’s majestic landscape distilled into liquid form.
An Exemplary Candidate for Investment
As an investment piece, this consummate expression from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti presents a compelling proposition. The 1990 vintage adds gravitas to any discerning investor's portfolio, promising not only a storied provenance but also a resilience in market value buoyed by its outstanding reviews and finite supply.
It has been said that great wine captures the essence of time and place; the 1990 Richebourg achieves this with unparalleled precision. Its enchanting character suggests not only consummate craftsmanship but also an enduring legacy that will endure many years hence—an investment as exquisite to savour as it is sagacious to secure.
Few bottles can claim the allure or the prestige embodied by this Burgundian marvel. In summing up, the 1990 Richebourg from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti emerges not merely as an emblematic fine wine but as a veritable gem within the investment realm—one that continues to stir the senses and provoke admiration as it gracefully matures.
Market price (HKD)
HK$475,750.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
3318
Scores and tasting notes
The last time that I drank the 1990 Richebourg Grand Cru from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti was at the domaine in 2010. Five years on it remains a lovely Richebourg. Clear and quite deep in color, the bouquet remains "ethereal" with crushed strawberries and pomegranate fruit intermixed with iron, black truffle and a touch of pain d'épices. It is understated at first ,but after 30 minutes it had manifested the sense of grandeur you expect from a Richebourg. The palate is beautifully balanced with great depth and volume. There is that hint of black truffle coming through once more, as well as sour cherries, a hint of blueberry and an almost viscous, decadent finish that not so much caresses the sense but gives it a good "seeing to." This is probably the best bottle that I have tasted, and it should have another 20-30 years of pleasure to give. Tasted September 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017