Jean Grivot Richebourg 2020 (750ML)

99 DE / 96-98 VM / 95-98 BH / 95-98 JM

A 'grand cru-plus', this is truly extraordinary wine, with expressive red and black fruits which show a saline minerality and floral notes. The texture is dense but unbelievably silky. Behind that are very firm tannins and substantial extract. A stunning bottle of wine. The grapes are from a parcel of 0.31ha that is upslope from Hudelot-Noëllat and next to Thibault Liger-Belair. The vines were planted in 1949. The grapes are destemmed and gently fermented.—Charles Curtis, Decanter

The 2020 Richebourg Grand Cru comprises four and a half barrels this year, three new and two filled with Chardonnay beforehand. It has a powerful and multilayered bouquet, comingling red and black fruit laced with iris and violet. The palate is has red top notes and black bass notes, interwoven by a fine line of acidity and a sapid, very pesistent finish. It feels tightly coiled at the moment but it will age with style. What more could you really want from
a Richebourg? Not much.—Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Tasting note: This is aromatically similar to the Echézeaux with its hints of bitter chocolate and kirsch on the aromas of various dark berries and plethora of spice and floral elements. There is outstanding density to the muscular and powerful broad-shouldered flavors that brim with both minerality and dry extract on the chalky, palate coating and massive long finish. This is breathtakingly good though plenty of patience will absolutely be required if you wish to see this gem of a Richebourg at its peak. Don’t Miss. –Allen Meadows, Burghound

Vast depth of colour. The bouquet is immensely powerful but not giving up its secrets yet. Very ripe with some of Etienne’s favourite ‘spices of the soukh’ up front. So suave and svelte on the palate, the fruit has not gone too far. Really hard to fight one’s way all the way through to the end of this. Alternating waves of red and black fruit. A monster which shall be tamed eventually but please give it the full 25 years. Massive but magisterial. Tasted: November 2021—Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy