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

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Échezeaux 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.

Échezeaux: DRC’s Accessible Grand Cru

Échezeaux represents DRC’s ‘entry-level’ Grand Cru—4.67 hectares within this large 37-hectare appellation. While considered less prestigious than their other holdings, DRC’s Échezeaux demonstrates how their farming and winemaking elevate even ‘lesser’ terroirs. The wines offer classic Échezeaux character: aromatic complexity, elegant structure, and earlier approachability than more powerful Grands Crus.

The vineyard’s name derives from ‘échéances’ (payments), historically owed to the Church. The terroir varies across 11 climats, but DRC’s holdings benefit from mid-slope positions with limestone-based soils and excellent drainage. The wines show more aromatic lift and less concentration than Grands-Échezeaux, but retain classic Burgundian elegance and aging potential.

For collectors on budgets (relative to DRC standards), Échezeaux offers genuine Grand Cru quality from the world’s most prestigious estate. The wines showcase DRC’s house style—whole-cluster fermentation, new oak, minimal intervention—while remaining more approachable in youth and at auction. An essential addition to comprehensive DRC collections.

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 DRC’s Échezeaux, 2012 delivered wines showcasing the appellation’s aromatic character in classic form.

At 12+ years, prime maturity: tertiary complexity developing while retaining vibrant fruit. The wine shows Échezeaux’s signature aromatics and elegant structure.

Collectors opening now enjoy beautiful drinking; those cellaring have 15-20 more years. The 2012’s elegance makes it ideal for near-to-mid-term consumption.

Tasting Experience

• At 12 years: red cherry, raspberry, strawberry wrapped in flowers (rose, violet), exotic spice, developing tertiary notes (truffle, leather, forest floor). More aromatic lift than Grands-Échezeaux. Whole-cluster fermentation adds complexity.
• Palate: medium-to-full-bodied with elegant concentration and silky texture. Red fruit, refined tannins. More approachable than powerful DRC Grand Crus. Vibrant acidity.
• Mid-palate: layers of flavor—fruits, flowers, spice, minerals. Échezeaux’s aromatic character elevated by DRC’s methods.
• Finish: 65+ seconds. At 12 years, lovely maturity. Approachable DRC Grand Cru.
• Échezeaux 2012: accessible DRC Grand Cru at exceptional value. Genuine DRC quality, drinking beautifully now. Essential for comprehensive DRC collections.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve 17°C. Decant 90 minutes. Allow 30-45 minutes in glass.

Exceptional pairings:

• Duck, pheasant, game
• Veal, lamb
• Mature cheeses

Cellaring & Evolution

At 12 years, prime with 15-20 years ahead. Store 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity.

Collector’s Note: DRC Échezeaux 2012: accessible DRC Grand Cru at exceptional value within portfolio. Classic vintage, prime maturity, approachable style. Essential for comprehensive DRC collections seeking value.