Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru 2008 0,75L

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands-Échezeaux Grand Cru 2008

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.

Grands-Échezeaux: Structured Grandeur

Grands-Échezeaux represents DRC’s largest Grand Cru holding outside their monopoles—3.53 hectares within this 9-hectare appellation. Located between Clos de Vougeot and Échezeaux, this vineyard produces wines that balance power with finesse, offering more structure and aging potential than standard Échezeaux while maintaining aromatic complexity.

The terroir features classic Côte de Nuits geology: limestone bedrock with clay-limestone topsoil enriched with iron. The mid-slope position provides optimal drainage and sun exposure. What distinguishes Grands-Échezeaux is its consistent quality across multiple climats—DRC’s holdings benefit from exceptional mesoclimate and southeast exposure.

DRC’s Grands-Échezeaux exemplifies their philosophy: wines that express terroir while providing the structure for long-term aging. The result is a Grand Cru that offers both immediate appeal and decades of evolution—less expensive than Richebourg or RSV but delivering extraordinary quality that justifies its Grand Cru status.

The 2008 Vintage

The 2008 vintage in Burgundy delivered classic wines with structure and longevity. A challenging growing season—cool weather, variable conditions—naturally reduced yields. However, careful vineyard management and an ideal harvest period produced wines with excellent acidity, refined tannins, and balance for long aging. Critics praised 2008 for producing ‘classic’ Burgundy favoring finesse over power.

For DRC, 2008 represented a vintage that rewarded their biodynamic farming and meticulous standards. The estate’s old vines and ultra-low yields ensured concentration despite challenges. Grands-Échezeaux specifically benefited: the structured vintage enhanced the appellation’s natural balance between power and elegance.

At 16+ years, the 2008 Grands-Échezeaux has entered beautiful maturity: the structure that dominated youth is softening while revealing layers of complexity. Tertiary notes are developing nicely while core vibrancy remains. Collectors opening now enjoy prime drinking; those cellaring will witness continued evolution for 15-20 more years.

Tasting Experience

• At 16 years, the aromatics showcase beautiful maturity: black cherry, cassis, raspberry now wrapped in tertiary complexity—truffle, leather, forest floor, dried roses, exotic spice. The whole-cluster fermentation’s herbal notes have integrated beautifully. Minerality (iron, graphite, crushed stone) provides backbone. This is maturing Grands-Échezeaux showing classic character.
• The palate reveals elegant evolution: full-bodied with excellent concentration yet maintaining refined texture. Black fruit flavors (cherry, cassis, blackberry) alongside savory development—cured meat, black tea, dried herbs, sous-bois. Tannins have integrated into silky structure. Vibrant acidity provides lift despite 16 years. Balance is perfect.
• Mid-palate depth shows sophistication: layers of flavor—dark fruits, earth, spice, minerals, completely integrated oak. The wine demonstrates Grands-Échezeaux’s character: more structured than Échezeaux, more accessible than the most powerful DRC Grand Crus. Elegant power perfectly balanced.
• The finish extends for beautiful length—70+ seconds—leaving impressions of black cherry, truffle, iron, exotic spice. At 16 years, lovely maturity: tertiary complexity developed while retaining core integrity. Structure suggests another 15-20 years of graceful evolution.
• This is DRC Grands-Échezeaux showing beautiful maturity: 16 years have transformed youthful structure into elegant sophistication. The wine demonstrates why collectors value Grands-Échezeaux—DRC quality at accessible pricing, aging beautifully. A magnificent bottle drinking perfectly now with years ahead.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at 16-17°C in finest Burgundy stems. Decant 60-90 minutes—mature wines need less air. Pour gently to avoid sediment. Allow 30-45 minutes in glass. Evolves 3-4 hours. Open for occasions deserving mature DRC.

Exceptional pairings:

• Roasted game: venison with truffle sauce, wild duck, roasted pheasant
• Aged beef: ribeye, côte de boeuf, dry-aged strip
• Black truffle: risotto, scrambled eggs, simple preparations
• Wild mushrooms: cèpe-crusted tenderloin, porcini ravioli
• Mature Époisses

Cellaring & Evolution

At 16 years, beautiful maturity with 15-20 years ahead. Peak drinking now through 2035-2040. Store horizontally at 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity. Provenance critical at this age—ensure perfect fill and documented storage.

Collector’s Note: DRC Grands-Échezeaux 2008 represents excellent value: mature DRC Grand Cru drinking perfectly now, proven aging quality, accessible pricing within portfolio. At auction, mature DRC from good vintages command premiums. For collectors seeking ready-to-drink DRC, 2008 Grands-Échezeaux ideal—beautiful maturity with years ahead. Genuine DRC quality at its most accessible.