1999 DRC Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru

This elegant Richebourg is finally becoming approachable with some secondary development on the notably ripe and gorgeously multi-dimensional nose of black cherries, spice and earth. The broad-shouldered and impressively scaled medium-weight-plus flavors are bold and overtly muscular while the finish retains a sense of robust power and stunning length. At age 26 the '99 Richebourg is clearly signaling that even though it has become civilized, it's still going to require a few more years of keeping to really be at its peak. At the same time, there is sufficient mid-palate sap such that it could be enjoyed now if given 30 to 45 minutes in a decanter first. In my view 1999 is one of the great vintages for this fabled wine. Many, and consistent, notes save for one bottle that displayed an annoying amount of brett.