Ratings & Tasting Notes:

97+ points Vinous
Review Date: 02/2023
The 2020 Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru is one of the most surprising wines in this lineup. In many ways, the RSV is the quintessential wine at DRC in 2020, as it captures all the qualities that make this vintage so appealing. Sage, mint, blood orange, chalk and red-toned fruit are all lifted by bright saline notes that lend energy and drive from start to finish. A Burgundy of dynamic energy and precision, the 2020 RSV is quite simply dazzling. (AG) 97+

97 points Wine Spectator
Review Date: 07/2023
Romanée-St.-Vivant is austere in aroma, hinting at blackberry and black currant flavors aligned to a compact frame. There is tension and finesse, with a cool, reserved feel, yet fine overall harmony. (BS)

Cult Wines International Notes:

The Romanée-St.-Vivant (RSV) Grand Cru from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) is a legendary expression of Pinot Noir, renowned for its profound elegance, ethereal perfume, and silken texture. Located in the heart of Vosne-Romanée, this vineyard sits immediately below the hallowed Romanée-Conti monopole, influencing its unique profile.

The Romanée-St.-Vivant vineyard encompasses $9.44$ hectares, making it significantly larger than many of its neighbors. DRC manages $5.28$ hectares of this Grand Cru, securing its position as the largest proprietor. The terroir is distinct: the vines are rooted in deeper, clay-rich soil compared to the shallower, rockier soil of Romanée-Conti above it. This deeper soil contributes to a wine characterized by:

• Femininity and Grace: RSV is often described as the most “feminine” wine in the DRC lineup, prioritizing finesse and aromatic complexity over brute force.
• Texture: The palate is famous for its velvety, silken feel and remarkably integrated tannins.

The RSV is a wine of extraordinary aromatic intensity, requiring patience to fully reveal its layers. Typical tasting notes include:

• Aromas: Highly expressive floral notes of rose petals, violet, and peony, intertwined with sweet oriental spices, black tea, mint, and pure red fruits (cherry, raspberry).
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, yet weightless. It possesses a seamless structure, exceptional length, and the hallmark purity of DRC. Unlike the muscular power of La Tâche, the RSV captivates with its fragrant intensity and layered complexity.

This Grand Cru demands long-term cellaring, typically needing $10$ to $15$ years to start integrating its structure, with peak maturity often reached between $20$ and $40$ years after the vintage. It remains one of Burgundy’s most treasured collectibles, symbolizing the refined perfection achievable with Pinot Noir.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.

Outstanding condition.