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

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands-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.

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 2012 Vintage

The 2012 vintage in Burgundy presented challenges that rewarded expertise. Variable weather naturally reduced yields. However, a spectacular late summer and autumn brought ideal ripening conditions. Aubert de Villaine praised 2012 as a ‘classic vintage’ that favors elegance and terroir expression over power. The wines possess refined structure, bright fruit, and balance for graceful aging.

For DRC’s Grands-Échezeaux, 2012 delivered wines that showcase the appellation’s character: structured yet elegant, powerful yet refined, complex yet approachable. While lacking concentration of warmer years, 2012 offers purity, precision, and aging potential—qualities particularly valuable for long-term cellaring.

At 12+ years, the 2012 Grands-Échezeaux has entered prime drinking: tertiary complexity developing while retaining vibrant fruit and structure. The vintage’s elegance matches the terroir’s balanced character perfectly. Collectors opening now enjoy early maturity; those cellaring until 2035-2040 will witness full development.

Tasting Experience

• At 12 years, the aromatics showcase Grands-Échezeaux’s complexity: black cherry, cassis, raspberry intertwine with violet, rose petals, exotic spice (star anise, cinnamon, cardamom). Beneath lies earthy depth—truffle, forest floor, mushroom—plus distinctive minerality (iron, crushed stone, graphite). The whole-cluster fermentation adds herbal lift. More structured than Échezeaux, more accessible than Richebourg.
• The palate delivers Grands-Échezeaux’s signature balance: full-bodied with excellent concentration yet maintaining refined texture. Black fruit flavors dominate—cherry, cassis, blackberry—supported by vibrant acidity providing lift. The tannins, firm in youth, have now resolved into elegant structure. This is power tempered by finesse.
• Mid-palate depth reveals layers: dark fruits, savory notes (cured meat, black tea, dried herbs), persistent spice, unwavering minerality. The wine shows more structure than standard Échezeaux but greater accessibility than the most powerful DRC Grand Crus. Classic Grands-Échezeaux character: structured grandeur.
• The finish extends for beautiful length—75+ seconds—leaving impressions of black cherry, iron, truffle, exotic spice. At 12 years, beautiful early maturity: tertiary complexity emerging while retaining core vibrancy. Structure suggests another 20-25 years of graceful evolution.
• This is DRC Grands-Échezeaux—offering exceptional value within the portfolio. Less expensive than Richebourg or La Tâche but delivering genuine DRC quality: biodynamic farming, whole-cluster fermentation, 100% new oak, decades of aging potential. A must-have for comprehensive DRC collections.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at 17-18°C in finest Burgundy stems. Decant 90-120 minutes before service. Allow 45-60 minutes in glass. Wine evolves 4-5 hours. Open for special occasions deserving DRC quality.

Exceptional pairings:

• Roasted game: venison, wild duck, roasted pheasant
• Wagyu or aged beef: ribeye, côte de boeuf, dry-aged strip
• Black truffle: risotto, scrambled eggs, truffle-crusted beef
• Wild mushrooms: cèpe-crusted tenderloin, porcini ravioli
• Époisses at peak ripeness

Cellaring & Evolution

At 12+ years, prime drinking with 20-25 years ahead. Peak maturity 2030-2040. Store horizontally at 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity. Provenance critical. DRC Grand Cru wines age 30-40+ years under optimal conditions.

Collector’s Note: DRC Grands-Échezeaux represents excellent value within the portfolio: DRC quality at accessible pricing (relative to Richebourg/La Tâche). At auction, Grands-Échezeaux appreciates steadily. For collectors building comprehensive DRC holdings, Grands-Échezeaux essential—genuine Grand Cru quality from world’s greatest estate. The 2012’s classic elegance and structure ensure decades of pleasure and steady appreciation.