Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Corton Grand Cru 2016 0,75L

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton Grand Cru 2016

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 2016 Vintage

The 2016 vintage delivered classic, structured wines built for long aging. Critics praised 2016 as a ‘classic vintage’ favoring balance over power. For DRC’s Corton, 2016 proved ideal: the vintage’s structure enhanced Corton’s natural power, creating wines of masculine grandeur with decades ahead.

At 8 years, the 2016 Corton remains youthful: firm structure, vibrant fruit, bright acidity. The wine shows Corton’s distinctive character—powerful, spicy, earthy—with decades of evolution ahead.

Collectors opening now witness youth; those cellaring until 2035-2045 will experience peak maturity. The 2016’s structure and Corton’s power ensure 25-30 more years.

Tasting Experience

• At 8 years, aromatics show Corton’s youth: black cherry, cassis, blackberry, exotic spice (cinnamon, clove, black pepper), iron, earth, game. Powerful and structured. Whole-cluster fermentation adds herbal notes.
• Palate delivers Corton’s masculine power: full-bodied, substantial concentration, firm tannins. Black fruit, iron-rich minerality. Needs time. Vibrant acidity balances structure.
• Mid-palate: dark fruits, spice, iron, earth. More powerful than Côte de Nuits but equally sophisticated. 2016’s structure ensures decades ahead.
• Finish: 70+ seconds of black fruit, iron, spice. At 8 years, youthful. Structure suggests 25-30 years evolution.
• DRC Corton 2016: classic vintage plus Corton’s power creates wine for patient collectors. Exceptional value at accessible pricing.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve 17-18°C. Decant 3-4 hours—young Corton needs substantial air. Allow 60+ minutes in glass.

Exceptional pairings:

• Game: wild boar, venison, duck
• Powerful meats: aged beef, lamb
• Earthy preparations: truffles, mushrooms
• Strong cheeses

Cellaring & Evolution

At 8 years, youth with 25-30 years ahead. Peak 2035-2045. Store 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity.

Collector’s Note: DRC Corton 2016: classic vintage, long-term aging potential, exceptional value. Essential for collectors seeking patient cellar wines at accessible DRC pricing.