DRC Richebourg 2011 (750ML)

96 DE / 95 AM / 95 VM / 95 WA

Richebourg can often be quite closed at this point in its development, but the comparative brightness and charm of the 2017 vintage are apparent here too. Earthy, savoury, slightly animal aromas with some fresh tobacco notes from whole bunch fermentation lead you into a palate that is sappy, chiseled and focused, with notes of pomegranate, redcurrant and citrus, scented, framing oak and impressive underlying grip, intensity and depth. - Tim Atkin MW, Decanter

This is also intensely floral, in fact it may very well be the most floral wine in the range. Though it may not be quite as elegant as the Roman'e St. Vivant it is arguably even more aromatically complex with a wonderfully fresh if restrained nose of hoisin, black fruit, soy and anise. There is remarkable concentration of dry extract that completely buffers the otherwise tightly wound tannic spine while pushing it to the background as the broad-shouldered flavors culminate in a balanced, long and velvety mineral-inflected finish that delivers astonishing persistence. While the Domaines 2011s will in general drink well earlier than is typical, the Riche may be an exception to that generalization. Allen Meadows, Burghound

The 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru is a Burgundy of Cistercian austerity. Searing tannins give the Richebourg its trademark sense of energy and vibrancy. White pepper, mint, dried flowers and bright red berry fruit are all beautifully delineated, with underlying beams of minerality and salinity that lend dimension. Richebourg is very rarely finessed, but is more typically a wine of brawn and pure power, as it is here. A range of bright, floral/savory accents suggest a bit more elegance may lie ahead. We will see. My colleagues appreciate the Richebourg more than I do. Harvest began the afternoon of September 8, after Romanée-Conti. Rain on the 9th caused a break in picking for the day. The last of the Richebourg came in on the 10th. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru offers up generous aromas of ripe strawberries, raspberries, cinnamon and coniferous forest floor, framed by a lavish application of creamy new oak that's less immediately integrated than in the Domaine's other wines at this early stage. On the palate, the Richebourg is full-bodied, rich and multidimensional, with a lavishly enveloping attack and supple structuring tannins that are almost entirely concealed by its deep core of fruit. Long and sapid, this is a spectacular wine in the making. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate