2015 Domaine de la Romanee Conti Saint Vivant, Cotes de Nuits

The 2015 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru was picked at 26.26hl/ha on 9, 10 and 11 September. It has a much more delicate bouquet than the Richebourg at the moment, one that is playing its cards close to its chest. Light pressed flower aromas emerge entwined with redcurrant and cranberry. It is not a fragile bouquet however there is a sense of airiness about this wine. The palate is actually more open than the aromatics. It is some verisimilitude to Richebourg in terms of structure that only becomes apparent towards the second half. There is a spiciness embroidered into this Romanée-Saint-Vivant, a hidden depth whereas the Richebourg is more assertive and bold. Discreet for the vintage, it will repay several years in bottle. Tasted at Corney & Barrow’s annual in bottle tasting in London.

96 points Neal Martin vinous.com

Bright, full red. Sensational perfumed nose shows a musky element of wildness along with aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, cocoa powder, brown spices and earth. A compellingly rich, horizontal wine that spreads out to coat every square millimeter of the palate. Quite firmly built--even a bit youthfully imploded--but this wine is already an attention-grabber. Finishes with a firm but refined dusting of tannins and outstanding rising length.

96 points Stephen Tanzer vinous.com

(not racked): Healthy dark red. Much more nuanced on the nose today than the Grands-Echézeaux, with a peppery accent to the aromas of dark raspberry, brown spices, cola and oak. Boasts great amplitude and sweetness in the middle palate but with enough supporting spiciness and saline minerality to give it superb focus. Expands and broadens toward the back end, finishing with serious tannins and accents of licorice and celery seed.

93-96 points Stephen Tanzer vinous.com