2008 Richebourg Grand Cru
By Domaine Leroy
2008 Richebourg Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
In the pantheon of Burgundian excellence, the 2008 Richebourg Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy holds a revered place. The narrative of the 2008 vintage in Burgundy is one of initial scepticism turned to admiration, as late ripening conditions gave way to wines of spectacular finesse and balance. It stands as a testament to the resilience of great terroir coupled with the uncompromising expertise of Domaine Leroy.
Defying the Elements: A Burgundian Triumph
Notwithstanding the challenges presented by a cool wet spring and a generally tumultuous growing season, the resulting wines from 2008 are a celebration of the unexpected. The 2008 Richebourg Grand Cru captures this narrative with profound eloquence, possessing a layered complexity that has only evolved with time.
The prowess of Domaine Leroy resonates in every glass, where meticulous viticulture and masterful vinification meet. This expression of Richebourg Grand Cru is defined by its admirable precision; red and black fruit profiles are elegantly escorted by earthy undertones, while subtle floral nuances lend an ethereal dimension to the bouquet. On the palate, vibrant acidity complements the wine's refined tannic structure—a harmonious marriage that beckons with optimism for those who have carefully invested in cellaring this vintage.
A Promising Prospect for Fine Wine Investors
The stellar reputation of Domaine Leroy — one of Burgundy's crown jewels — along with the 2008 Richebourg Grand Cru's remarkable age-worthiness suggests that this vintage will continue to intrigue fine wine investors. As an arbiter of investment potential, I find this vintage promising, particularly due to its ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with more celebrated years. Its subtle energies and evolving complexity make it an insightful addition to any discerning portfolio.
To savor a glass of 2008 Richebourg Grand Cru is to partake in an intimate dialogue with Burgundy’s history—a year captured within the microcosm of a bottle, now emerging into its peak drinking window. As such, for collectors and investors alike, this wine offers both a splendid gustatory experience and a prudent addition to fine wine collections.
In summary, embracing the cultivated narrative of this noteworthy vintage from Domaine Leroy ensures that enthusiasts not only acquire a slice of enological art but also secure a wise investment whose value will unfurl gracefully with passing time.
Market price (HKD)
HK$944,150.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
7055
Scores and tasting notes
Wood smoke, smoked meat, game, and alkaline mineral notes pungently scent the Leroy 2008 Richebourg, then mingle with bright red fruits on a plate that shows stronger tannins – albeit fine-grained ones – than any other wine in the present collection. The invigorating, saliva-inducing salinity here mounts along with the fruit intensity on a trumpet-like finish. It’s easy at this address to become inured to complexity, but I think it’s fair to say that this Richebourg does not quite reach the level in that department of the very finest Leroy 2008s. Perhaps that will come. What is amazing for now is above all this wine’s clarion intensity and sheer palate persistence. It should be given at least 8-10 years in cellar with the confidence that it will thereafter perform brilliantly for at least an equal interval. Lalou Bize-Leroy reports average 2008 Pinot Noir yields of 13 hectoliters per hectare, almost absurdly tiny even by her singular standards. Malos were a bit later than usual but were finished by summer, and the wines bottled – as usual – in December. Yet – also as usual – if their development was thereby in any way stunted, you certainly won’t detect it in the bottle today! The best of these display a sense of transparency; levity; and – even when rich and head-spinningly complex – a sheer sense of refreshment and invigoration that I have seldom encountered in other great wines from these sister estates. (Please note that my account of the complete 2007 red collection at Leroy was published in issue #189.) Importer: Martine’s Wines. Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-040
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2010