Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 2009 0,75L

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 2009

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.

Romanée-Saint-Vivant: Elegance Defined

Romanée-Saint-Vivant represents the feminine side of DRC’s portfolio—a Grand Cru where elegance, refinement, and aromatic complexity take precedence over power. This 9.44-hectare vineyard lies directly below Romanée-Conti, sharing similar limestone soils but positioned lower on the slope, resulting in wines of seductive perfume and silky texture.

DRC’s 5.29-hectare parcel represents the largest single holding within RSV. The terroir features shallow topsoil over limestone bedrock, providing excellent drainage and forcing vines to dig deep for water and nutrients. The slightly lower elevation and gentler slope produce wines with less concentration than Richebourg or La Tâche but extraordinary aromatic complexity and refined tannins.

Among collectors, RSV is prized for its approachability in youth while maintaining the structure for decades of aging. The wines express classic Burgundian elegance: red fruit purity, floral aromatics (rose, violet), subtle spice, and the transparent minerality that distinguishes great terroir. DRC’s biodynamic farming and minimal intervention winemaking allow RSV’s innate grace to shine.

The 2009 Vintage

The 2009 vintage in Burgundy delivered wines of exceptional ripeness and concentration—a warm growing season with ideal harvest conditions produced ripe fruit with excellent phenolic maturity. Critics praised 2009 as one of the decade’s finest, with wines offering immediate appeal yet structure for long aging. For RSV specifically, 2009’s warmth added power while maintaining the terroir’s signature elegance.

DRC’s biodynamic farming and ultra-low yields ensured balance despite the vintage’s generosity. The wines show ripe red and black fruits, silky tannins, and approachable profiles even in relative youth. However, the estate’s meticulous viticulture maintained structure for decades ahead. Aubert de Villaine praised 2009 as an ‘exceptional vintage’ combining richness with balance.

At 15 years, the 2009 RSV has entered beautiful maturity: the vintage’s generous fruit has developed tertiary complexity while retaining core vibrancy. Those opening now enjoy prime drinking; collectors cellaring will witness continued evolution for 15-20 more years. The 2009’s approachability makes it ideal for collectors seeking both near-term pleasure and long-term potential.

Tasting Experience

• At 15 years, the aromatics showcase 2009’s ripeness refined by RSV’s elegance: red and black cherry, raspberry, cassis mingle with rose petals, violet, exotic spice (star anise, cinnamon). The warmth of the vintage adds depth—dark fruits, subtle chocolate—while RSV’s minerality (crushed stone, iron) provides structure. Early tertiary notes (truffle, leather, forest floor) are emerging beautifully.
• The palate delivers RSV’s signature silky texture amplified by 2009’s ripeness: medium-to-full-bodied with beautiful density yet maintaining ethereal elegance. Ripe red and black fruit flavors dominate, supported by vibrant acidity that prevents heaviness despite the vintage’s warmth. Tannins have integrated into refined structure—no hard edges, just elegant power.
• Mid-palate depth reveals layers: ripe fruits, flowers, spice, minerals, subtle oak (now integrated), emerging savory complexity. The 2009’s concentration provides more power than typical RSV yet maintains the terroir’s refined character. This is RSV with added depth from a generous vintage—approachable yet sophisticated.
• The finish extends for beautiful length—75+ seconds—leaving impressions of cherry, rose petal, iron, exotic spice, subtle chocolate. At 15 years, the wine shows lovely maturity: tertiary complexity developing while retaining ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Structure suggests another 15-20 years of graceful evolution.
• This is DRC RSV from a generous vintage: more approachable than classic years yet maintaining structure for long aging. The 2009 offers both immediate pleasure and future potential—ideal for collectors seeking accessible DRC elegance with aging potential.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at 17°C in finest Burgundy stems. Decant 90 minutes—warm vintage wines need less air than classic vintages. Allow 45 minutes in glass. Wine evolves for 4-5 hours. Open for special occasions that deserve approachable yet sophisticated DRC.

Exceptional pairings:

• Roasted game: wild duck with cherry sauce, roasted pheasant, venison with fruit reduction
• Richer preparations than typical RSV: beef tenderloin with truffle, lamb with dark fruit sauce
• Fresh truffle: risotto, scrambled eggs, simple preparations
• Mature cheeses: Époisses, aged Comté, Brillat-Savarin

Cellaring & Evolution

At 15 years, beautiful maturity with 15-20 years ahead. Peak drinking now through 2035-2040. 2009 warm vintage makes these wines more approachable but DRC’s structure ensures longevity. Store horizontally at 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity. Provenance critical.

Collector’s Note: DRC RSV 2009 represents approachable excellence: warm vintage offering immediate pleasure, proven critical acclaim, DRC’s farming ensuring structure. At auction, 2009 DRC wines command premiums for their balance of ripeness and aging potential. Ideal for collectors seeking near-term drinking pleasure with 15-20 years future evolution.