2003 Grand Echezeaux
By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
2003 Grand Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France
As one inspects the array of stellar years in the echelon of fine wines, the 2003 vintage from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti unfurls a tapestry of particular distinction. The 2003 Grand Echezeaux stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this hallowed terroir. Notorious for high summer temperatures, the year challenged Burgundian viticulture, yet what emerged from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti was nothing short of miraculous.
Distinctive Vintage, Distinguished Pedigree
Navigating the heatwave of 2003 required a deft hand and an intimate knowledge of the land; attributes fully embodied by Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. Reaping the benefits of low-yield, stressed vines, the 2003 Grand Echezeaux delivers an intensity of flavours that could only be borne of such extreme conditions. In this bottle lies a vintage ripe with historical significance, offering a sublime opportunity for the astute wine investor to own a piece of vinicultural lore.
A Tasting Odyssey Through An Extraordinary Year
The 2003 Grand Echezeaux is characterised by its voluptuous structure and opulent fruit profile. The heat-concentrated grapes bestow a richness upon this wine, revealing layers of cherry and dark berry essences intertwined with exotic spice and earthy undertones. Time has also allowed for the development of truffle-like nuances, a hallmark maturity that further heightens its enigmatic charm.
Savouring this particular Grand Echezeaux is akin to relishing a warm Burgundian summer preserved in liquid form - a true marvel for connoisseurs who appreciate the influence of climatic nuance upon the vintner's craft.
In summation, the 2003 Grand Echezeaux presents as an illustrious entry into any oenophile's portfolio. Its creation under fire bears witness to both the pedigree of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and the unique expression encapsulated by an exceptional vintage. This is not merely a wine; it is an artefact from an extraordinary chapter in Burgundy's vinous history.
Market price (USD)
$49,510.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
3379.17
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind, the 2003 Grands Echézeaux from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti impressed its audience and duped everyone from thinking it heralded from the 2003 vintage. It has a potent ripe strawberry, mulberry and dried rose petal nose that actually had to throw off a little reduction upon first acquaintance. The palate is medium-bodied with layers of sappy red berry fruit. The initial tightness gradually dissipates to reveal quite a "stocky" Grands Echézeaux with good length, if not the detail of a top vintage from this vineyard.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2015