Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Corton Grand Cru 2011 0,75L

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton Grand Cru 2011

The Estate

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti requires no introduction to serious wine collectors—it is, quite simply, the most prestigious wine estate on Earth. Co-owned by the de Villaine and Leroy families since the 18th century, DRC produces wines from the greatest Grand Cru parcels in Burgundy, farmed with biodynamic practices and vinified with methods perfected over generations.

The domaine’s holdings read like a greatest hits of Burgundian viticulture: monopoles Romanée-Conti and La Tâche, plus parcels in Richebourg, Romanée-Saint-Vivant, Échezeaux, Grands-Échezeaux, and Corton. From these hallowed vineyards, DRC produces wines of extraordinary depth, complexity, and longevity—bottles that command prices rivaling fine art and appear at auction with the frequency and fanfare of masterpieces.

DRC’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention: biodynamic viticulture with microscopic yields (often 20-25 hl/ha), whole-cluster fermentation, aging in 100% new French oak, and bottling without filtration. The goal is to allow each terroir to express itself with perfect clarity while providing the structure for decades of aging. The results speak for themselves: wines that collectors treasure as liquid history.

Corton: DRC’s Red from Hallowed Hill

Corton represents DRC’s southernmost Grand Cru—1.28 hectares on the legendary Corton hill, split between Clos du Roi and Bressandes. First acquired in 2008, this is DRC’s youngest vineyard, yet it demonstrates how their biodynamic methods and winemaking expertise can elevate terroir immediately. The wines show classic Corton structure—more powerful and masculine than Côte de Nuits Grands Crus—with distinctive spice, earth, and aging potential.

The Corton hill’s unique terroir features iron-rich clay over limestone, creating wines of extraordinary power and longevity. The upper-slope position and southwest exposure result in exceptional ripeness and phenolic maturity. DRC’s holdings benefit from ideal mesoclimate and older vines that produce concentrated fruit.

While Corton may lack the prestige of DRC’s Vosne-Romanée holdings, it delivers exceptional value within the portfolio. The wines require patience—structure dominates in youth—but reward long-term cellaring with profound complexity. DRC’s Corton proves that terroir matters more than reputation, and their winemaking elevates even ‘lesser’ Grands Crus to museum-quality status.

The 2011 Vintage

The 2011 vintage presented challenges across Burgundy—variable weather, uneven ripening. However, DRC’s biodynamic farming, old vines, and meticulous selection ensured quality. For Corton, 2011 delivered wines showing the appellation’s power in a more approachable profile than classic vintages.

At 13+ years, the 2011 Corton has entered early maturity faster than great vintages: the wine shows tertiary development while retaining core structure. Corton’s distinctive character—masculine power, spice, iron-rich minerality—is present but in a more accessible form.

Collectors opening now enjoy prime drinking; those cellaring have 15-20 more years. The 2011’s approachability makes it ideal for near-term consumption.

Tasting Experience

• At 13 years, aromatics show maturity: black cherry, cassis, blackberry now wrapped in tertiary notes—truffle, leather, earth, exotic spice. Corton’s iron-rich character evident. More accessible than classic vintages. Whole-cluster fermentation adds complexity.
• Palate: full-bodied with good concentration, softening tannins. Black fruit, earthy minerality. Less power than great vintages but maintaining Corton’s structure. Approaching prime drinking.
• Mid-palate: dark fruits, spice, iron, earth. Corton’s character present in more accessible form. 2011’s earlier maturity creates approachable DRC.
• Finish: 65+ seconds of black fruit, iron, spice. At 13 years, good maturity. Structure suggests 15-20 years ahead.
• DRC Corton 2011: approachable DRC at exceptional value. Less powerful than great vintages but offering genuine DRC quality for near-term drinking. Ideal for collectors seeking ready-to-drink DRC at accessible pricing.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve 17-18°C. Decant 90-120 minutes. Allow 45 minutes in glass. More approachable than classic vintages.

Exceptional pairings:

• Game: duck, venison
• Red meats: beef, lamb
• Earthy preparations: mushrooms
• Mature cheeses

Cellaring & Evolution

At 13 years, prime drinking with 15-20 years ahead. Peak now through 2035. Store 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity.

Collector’s Note: DRC Corton 2011: approachable DRC at exceptional value. Ready to drink now with years ahead. Ideal for collectors seeking near-term DRC pleasure at accessible pricing. Genuine DRC quality from their Côte de Beaune holding.