Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Corton Grand Cru 2012 0,75L

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton Grand Cru 2012

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 2012 Vintage

The 2012 vintage presented challenges that rewarded expertise. Aubert de Villaine praised 2012 as a ‘classic vintage’ favoring elegance and terroir expression. The wines possess refined structure, bright fruit, and balance for graceful aging. For DRC’s Corton, 2012 delivered wines showcasing the appellation’s power tempered by the vintage’s elegance.

At 12+ years, the 2012 Corton has entered early maturity: the structure that dominated youth is softening while revealing complexity. The wine shows Corton’s signature character—masculine power, distinctive spice, earthy depth—refined by DRC’s mastery and the vintage’s elegance.

Collectors opening now enjoy early prime drinking; those cellaring until 2035-2040 will witness full development. The 2012’s structure and Corton’s power ensure 20-25 more years of evolution.

Tasting Experience

• At 12 years, Corton’s distinctive character emerges: black cherry, cassis, blackberry wrapped in exotic spice (cinnamon, clove, black pepper), earth (iron-rich soil, forest floor), and Corton’s signature gamey notes. More powerful and masculine than Côte de Nuits Grands Crus. Whole-cluster fermentation adds herbal complexity.
• The palate delivers Corton’s power: full-bodied with substantial concentration and firm structure. Black fruit flavors dominate, supported by distinctive earthy minerality from iron-rich terroir. Tannins remain firm but refined—this is Corton requiring patience. Vibrant acidity balances the power.
• Mid-palate shows Corton’s depth: dark fruits, spice, iron, earth, game. More structured and powerful than DRC’s Côte de Nuits holdings but equally sophisticated. DRC’s farming and winemaking elevate Corton to Grand Cru excellence.
• Finish extends 70+ seconds—black fruit, iron, spice, earth. At 12 years, entering maturity but requiring more time. Structure suggests 20-25 years ahead. Patient collectors will be rewarded.
• This is DRC Corton—proof that their methods elevate any terroir. Less prestigious than Vosne-Romanée holdings but exceptional value: genuine DRC quality at accessible pricing. A must-have for comprehensive collections.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at 17-18°C. Decant 2-3 hours—young Corton needs substantial air. Allow 60+ minutes in glass. Pair with powerful dishes matching wine’s structure.

Exceptional pairings:

• Game: wild boar, venison stew, roasted duck
• Powerful red meats: aged beef, lamb, game pie
• Earthy preparations: truffles, wild mushrooms
• Strong cheeses: aged Comté, mature Époisses

Cellaring & Evolution

At 12 years, early maturity with 20-25 years ahead. Peak 2030-2040. Corton requires patience—structure dominant in youth. Store 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity. Provenance critical.

Collector’s Note: DRC Corton represents exceptional value: genuine DRC quality at most accessible pricing within portfolio. While less prestigious than Vosne-Romanée holdings, Corton delivers museum-quality wine. The 2012’s classic structure and DRC’s mastery ensure decades of pleasure. Essential for comprehensive DRC collections seeking value.