1996 Romanée St Vivant from Domaine Dujac, Burgundy, France

In my four decades of wine criticism, the canon of fine Burgundy is replete with vintages that speak with eloquence of their terroir. The 1996 Romanée St Vivant from Domaine Dujac is one such luminary, articulating the nuances of its origin with a poetic fidelity. The confluence of an ideal growing season and Domaine Dujac's venerated vinicultural prowess has yielded a vintage deserving of meticulous contemplation.

Ethereal Elegance: A Vintage to Treasure

The 1996 vintage in Burgundy stands as a watermark year, offering wines with impressive structure and longevity. Amidst this esteemed company, the Romanée St Vivant from Domaine Dujac distinguishes itself through its ethereal elegance and depth. Its aromatic bouquet unfurls with layers of ripe cherries and violets, interwoven with whispers of exotic spices and a subtle underlying earthiness—a sensory prelude to the opulent yet perfectly poised palate that follows.

An Oenological Odyssey: Investing in Hedonistic Pleasure

The palate is graced with a tapestry of complex flavours: red fruits adorned with facets of game and licorice, all cradled by velvety tannins that have softened splendidly over time. This is a wine that invites you on an oenological odyssey as each sip reveals new dimensions unmasked by the steady hands of time. In investment terms, the 1996 Romanée St Vivant from Domaine Dujac not only augments a portfolio but also offers an en primeur into hedonistic pleasure.

The finish is generous and lingering, with a resonance that is both profound and moving—the hallmark of a truly great wine from an extraordinary vintage. Existing stock having benefited from optimal cellaring conditions ensures this wine reaches aficionados at its apogee.

The astute connoisseur knows that fine wine investment transcends mere economic calculus—it’s about owning a fragment of vinous history. The 1996 Romanée St Vivant from Domaine Dujac is one such piece; it's not only an acquisition of liquid but also one of time, dreams, and the inexorable march of seasons within the sacred precincts of Burgundy's hallowed soil.