1996 Domaine de la Romanee Conti Richebourg

This was a big, burly beast of a wine, with an initially reticent nose that featured some clove, cassis, and wildflowers. The palate had an impenetrable structure of tannins that showed no sign of yielding even after 4 hours of air. There was significant acidity, and the finish was quite profound. This wine really needs another 5-10 years in the cellar. Maybe a long decant would have helped, but this wasn’t so giving today. I try to remain optimistic about 96s.

1999 Domaine de la Romanee Conti Richebourg

This was an even bigger wine than the 96, but a bit more generous. The nose had haunting aromas of black cherries, violets, and freshly raked leaves, along with some exotic spices and some savory baking spices. A hint of quince, and perhaps myrrh? The palate was very structured, but not crushingly so, like the 96, with more restrained acidity. The finish was stupendous, with an entire symphony of flavors that lasted past intermission.