Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Echezeaux Grand Cru 2014 0,75L

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Échezeaux Grand Cru 2014

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 2014 Vintage

The 2014 vintage delivered exceptional quality across Burgundy. Critics universally praised 2014 as one of the finest recent vintages. The wines combine structure with aromatic complexity and elegance. For DRC’s Échezeaux, 2014 proved outstanding: the vintage’s quality elevated the appellation’s aromatic character.

At 10 years, entering prime: the vintage’s excellent structure is revealing layers of complexity while maintaining Échezeaux’s accessibility. The wine shows aromatic lift and elegant structure.

Collectors opening now enjoy early prime; those cellaring until 2030-2040 will witness full development. The 2014’s quality ensures 20-25 more years.

Tasting Experience

• At 10 years: red cherry, raspberry, strawberry wrapped in flowers (rose, violet), exotic spice, developing tertiary notes. 2014’s quality adds depth. More aromatic than Grands-Échezeaux. Whole-cluster fermentation adds complexity.
• Palate: medium-to-full-bodied with elegant concentration and silky texture. Red fruit, refined tannins. The 2014’s structure enhances Échezeaux’s natural elegance. Vibrant acidity.
• Mid-palate: layers of aromatics—fruits, flowers, spice, minerals. Échezeaux’s character elevated by 2014’s quality and DRC’s methods.
• Finish: 70+ seconds. At 10 years, beautiful maturity. Approachable yet sophisticated DRC Grand Cru.
• Échezeaux 2014: accessible DRC Grand Cru from outstanding vintage. Genuine DRC quality at exceptional value, drinking beautifully with decades ahead. Essential for comprehensive DRC collections.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve 17°C. Decant 90-120 minutes. Allow 45 minutes in glass.

Exceptional pairings:

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

Cellaring & Evolution

At 10 years, entering prime with 20-25 years ahead. Peak 2030-2040. Store 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity.

Collector’s Note: DRC Échezeaux 2014: accessible DRC Grand Cru from outstanding vintage at exceptional value. The 2014’s quality plus DRC’s methods create genuine Grand Cru excellence at portfolio’s most approachable pricing. Essential for comprehensive collections.