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

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg 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.

Richebourg: Power Wrapped in Silk

Richebourg occupies 8 hectares of blessed ground on the slope above Vosne-Romanée, positioned between Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Romanée-Conti. This Grand Cru produces wines that marry extraordinary power with seductive elegance—Burgundy at its most complete. The name itself evokes richness, and the wines deliver: concentrated, opulent, and structured for long-term aging.

The terroir features classic Côte de Nuits geology: limestone bedrock with iron-rich clay and marl, providing excellent drainage while retaining moisture during dry periods. The mid-slope position offers optimal sun exposure and air circulation, creating ideal conditions for Pinot Noir of exceptional phenolic maturity and aromatic complexity. What distinguishes Richebourg is its unique synthesis: it combines La Tâche’s power, Romanée-Saint-Vivant’s elegance, and its own distinctive spicy, floral character.

DRC owns 3.51 hectares within Richebourg—the largest holding among several proprietors. Their vines, averaging 50+ years of age, benefit from decades of biodynamic farming that has restored soil vitality and microbial diversity. Extreme yield restrictions (often below 25 hl/ha) ensure concentration, while meticulous viticulture and hand-sorting guarantee that only perfect fruit enters the cellar.

The result is Richebourg that defines the appellation: wine of extraordinary completeness—powerful yet elegant, concentrated yet refined, immediate in its appeal yet built for decades of evolution. DRC Richebourg represents Burgundy’s holy grail, a wine that collectors worldwide covet for its transcendent quality and investment potential.

The 2016 Vintage

The 2016 vintage in Burgundy delivered classic, structured wines built for long-term aging. After a challenging growing season—spring frosts, summer hail, uneven weather—an ideal September brought perfect ripening conditions. The result: wines with excellent acidity, ripe tannins, and the structural backbone for decades of cellaring. Critics praised 2016 as a ‘classic vintage’ favoring balance over power, elegance over concentration.

For DRC specifically, 2016 proved exceptional. Aubert de Villaine praised the vintage’s purity and precision. Parker’s notes emphasize the Richebourg’s ‘broader-shouldered’ character compared to RSV, with ‘considerable depth and dimension at the core.’ His assessment that it ‘surpasses the 2015 rendition’ is significant—2015 was itself an outstanding year, yet 2016’s structure and complexity give it the edge for long-term aging.

Now at 8 years of age, the 2016 DRC wines are developing beautifully: initial tannic firmness is softening while retaining structure, and early tertiary complexity is emerging. The Richebourg shows the ‘gourmand, almost fleshy profile’ Parker noted, now gaining layers of savory complexity. Collectors opening now enjoy early maturity; those cellaring until 2030-2040 will experience peak perfection. The vintage’s structure suggests aging potential of 30-40+ years.

Tasting Experience

• Parker captures the aromatics perfectly: ‘lavish bouquet of cassis, dark plums, candied peel, potpourri, Asian spices, peonies and smoked duck.’ At 8 years, these elements have integrated beautifully—black cherry and cassis dominate, wrapped in layers of flowers (rose, peony, violet), exotic spice (star anise, cardamom, five-spice), and the distinctive smoked duck note adds savory complexity. The whole-cluster fermentation contributes subtle herbal lift.
• The palate delivers everything Parker promised: ‘full-bodied, rich and expansive, with considerable depth and dimension at the core.’ The ‘gourmand, almost fleshy profile’ creates immediate appeal—ripe dark fruits (cassis, black cherry, plum) coat the palate with opulent texture. Yet beneath this richness lies ‘cool, precise fruit tones’—the vintage’s natural acidity provides lift and energy, preventing any heaviness.
• The structure is magnificent: ‘velvety structuring tannins’ are beginning to integrate but still provide substantial framework for decades ahead. Mid-palate depth is extraordinary—layer upon layer of flavor unfolds: dark fruits, spice, flowers, minerals, earth, subtle oak (vanilla, toast, now fully integrated). The wine maintains perfect balance: power tempered by elegance, concentration balanced by refinement.
• The finish extends for remarkable length—75+ seconds—leaving lingering impressions of cassis, dark plum, Asian spice, smoked duck, and persistent minerality. The wine continues evolving in the glass for 4-5 hours, revealing new dimensions with each return. At 8 years, it’s entering early maturity but has decades ahead—the perfect stage to witness DRC’s evolution from youth to sophistication.
• This is DRC Richebourg at its finest: Parker’s ‘superb’ assessment is accurate. The 2016 delivers immediate pleasure while promising decades of evolution. The vintage’s structure and DRC’s concentration ensure longevity; the estate’s mastery guarantees transcendence. One of the domaine’s finest modern Richeborgs—a wine that justifies legendary status and premium pricing.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at 17-18°C in the finest Burgundy stems—Zalto Burgundy or Riedel Sommelier Series. Decant 2-3 hours before service to fully awaken this Grand Cru’s lavish aromatics. Pour gently to avoid disturbing any sediment. Allow substantial time in the glass (45-60 minutes) before drinking—the wine continues evolving dramatically over 4-5 hours. Given the ‘gourmand, fleshy profile,’ this Richebourg pairs beautifully with rich dishes. Open for special occasions worthy of DRC’s magnificence.

Exceptional pairings:

• Smoked duck breast (echoing Parker’s tasting note) with cherry-port gastrique, foie gras
• Wagyu or prime aged beef: A5 Wagyu ribeye, côte de boeuf with bone marrow, dry-aged strip
• Roasted game: venison loin with black truffle jus, wild boar with plum reduction
• Périgord black truffle: risotto, scrambled eggs with truffles, truffle-crusted beef
• Wild mushrooms: cèpe-crusted tenderloin, porcini ravioli, chanterelle tart with aged Comté
• Époisses de Bourgogne at peak ripeness—classic Burgundian pairing

Cellaring & Evolution

At 8 years from vintage, this wine has entered early-to-mid maturity but remains decades from peak. Parker’s enthusiasm (‘superb,’ ‘surpasses 2015’) combined with 2016’s structure suggests 25-35 more years of graceful evolution. Those opening now experience the wine at a beautiful transition: the ‘velvety structuring tannins’ are softening while retaining framework, and early tertiary complexity is emerging alongside ripe fruit.

The 2016 vintage’s structure suggests optimal drinking 2028-2050, with peak maturity likely 2035-2045. However, DRC Grand Cru wines routinely age 40-50+ years. Patient collectors cellaring until 2040+ will witness full maturity: savory complexity, completely integrated tannins, profound tertiary development. The wine’s ‘considerable depth and dimension’ ensure it will reward long-term patience.

Store horizontally in dark, vibration-free conditions at 12-14°C with 70-75% humidity. Provenance is critical for DRC—ensure perfect fill levels, intact capsules, and documented storage history. These wines represent museum-quality investment assets that appreciate steadily at auction. The 2016, praised by Parker as superior to 2015, should command premium prices as it approaches peak maturity.

Collector’s Note: The 2016 DRC Richebourg represents exceptional value within DRC’s portfolio: outstanding vintage praised by critics, Parker’s assessment that it ‘surpasses 2015,’ and guaranteed scarcity. At auction, 2016 DRC wines are gaining recognition as the vintage matures and reveals its classic structure. Parker’s enthusiastic review—emphasizing ‘superb’ quality, ‘considerable depth,’ and superiority to 2015—ensures this bottle’s place in investment-grade collections. For collectors building world-class cellars, DRC Richebourg from great vintages is essential. The 2016, with its perfect balance of power and elegance, represents one of the domaine’s finest modern expressions. Expect steady appreciation as the wine approaches peak maturity over the next 15-20 years.