2016 La Romanee
By Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair
2016 La Romanée from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Burgundy, France
The 2016 La Romanée from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair stands as a testament to the resilience and splendour of Burgundian winemaking. Experiencing the growing season's twists and turns—from frost to drought—this vintage emerged triumphantly, projecting its own tale of meticulous cultivation and masterful vinification.
Distinct Excellence: The 2016 Vintage Narrative
The trials of Burgundy's 2016 growing season, including a frost that besieged vineyards on April 27th, set the stage for reduced yields yet ultimately heightened concentration. Rarely do we encounter such exemplars of the artistry that can ensue from challenge. The 2016 La Romanée conveys this narrative with eloquence, its sophisticated depth reasoned by an embattled but auspicious year.
A Rendezvous with Refined Elegance
In the glass, the wine encapsulates the dichotomy of robust intensity and ethereal finesse—a hallmark of Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair's laudable practices. Deep ruby in hue, it invites one to explore aromas that pirouette between ripe cherries, subtle earthiness, and whispers of violet—all shepherded by judicious oak integration. On the palate, this vintage unfurls seamlessly, intertwining strength with grace; powerful yet poised tannins suggest a longevity worthy of patient cellaring.
Enthusiasts drawn to investment in fine wines will appreciate this vintage’s potential for developing nuance as it matures. The 2016 La Romanée not only possesses impressive structure but also retains vibrancy and complexity that promise further evolution and desirability amongst collectors.
In summing up, the 2016 La Romanée from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair presents itself as a beacon of vinous resilience. It is a reflective narrative in a bottle—capturing both the strife and splendour of its vintage year. For those who align exquisite taste with sagacious investment, this wine's journey from vine to vault is fraught with discerning potential.
Market price (GBP)
£59,540.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
3502.35
Scores and tasting notes
The 2016 La Romanée Grand Cru has an intense bouquet with extraordinarily pure black and blueberry fruit, beautifully integrated oak, wilted violets emerging with time. It has more flamboyance than the Romanée-Conti tasted the following day, a little more luster. The palate is very well balanced, balancing on a high-wire, paradoxically intense yet one of the most backward and introspective La Romanées that I have encountered from barrel, dense and unforgiving at the moment. This will require serious bottle age, at least a decade, but I love the salinity that kicks in on the finish and the extremely long aftertaste. Outstanding.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2017