The 1993 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru was picked on September 27 at just 14.87hl/ha. It is certainly a bit funky at first with suggestions of TCA. Instinct tells me it just needs time to breathe and sure enough, after two hours it is quite a beautiful wine. It is blessed with an ethereal bouquet, beautifully defined yet reserved compared to other vintages. Scents of raspberry preserve, damp undergrowth (wet moss) with subtle hints of fresh tobacco and cedar all combined so effortlessly. The palate is extremely well balanced with sublime tannins, maybe a little foursquare yet precise on the finish. This is drinking so well now, but based on this bottle, do not be afraid to decant. A very capable Romanée-Conti, though I might have expected more given how this vintage has blossomed in recent years. 3,600 bottles produced. Tasted at the Romanée-Conti dinner at the Connaught Hotel.

The Romanee-Conti is extremely backward, tightly knit, and closed, with hard tannin, an excellent to outstanding mouthfeel, and a nearly impenetrable personality. Although this is usually a fragrant, intensely-perfumed wine, the closed, tight 1993 exhibits few aromatics, medium body, and huge tannin. It needs 8-10 years of cellaring. While it will last 25-30 years, it is tough to judge just how good this wine will be. The score reflects the vineyard and historic reputation as much as what I was able to taste in the bottle. The DRC's 1993s possess the vintage's toughness, tannic structure, austerity, and aging potential. They will not be flattering to drink in their youth, and most will require 6-10 years of cellaring. Typical of the vintage, they appear to be the most tannic and structured wines made at this domaine since 1983. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661