Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 2010 0,75L

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 2010

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 2010 Vintage

The 2010 vintage delivered wines of extraordinary structure and longevity despite challenging growing conditions. A cool summer slowed ripening, preserving acidity. An ideal September brought perfect phenolic maturity. The result: classic Burgundy with aging potential rivaling legendary historical vintages. Aubert de Villaine was ‘surprised by the level of the 2010s given all challenges,’ praising the vintage’s purity and finesse.

Parker’s reviews emphasized ‘2010 finesse takes precedence over sheer power’—perfect descriptor for RSV’s elegant terroir. The vintage’s natural refinement matches RSV’s feminine character ideally. Critics praised the wines’ ‘stellar’ quality with ‘beguiling, totally exquisite aromatics.’ Aging predictions extend to 2050-2060—40-50 year windows signaling extraordinary longevity.

At 14 years, the 2010 RSV is barely approaching early maturity. The structure that dominated youth is slowly revealing layers of complexity while retaining firm backbone. Collectors opening now witness evolution’s beginning; those cellaring until 2035-2050 will experience peak perfection. This is a 40-year wine from Burgundy’s most elegant terroir.

Tasting Experience

• The aromatics showcase RSV’s legendary elegance amplified by 2010’s structure: red cherry, raspberry, cranberry wrapped in rose petals, violet, exotic spice (star anise, white pepper). The vintage’s minerality dominates—crushed stone, iron, limestone—providing backbone to delicate perfume. Early tertiary notes (truffle, leather) are beginning to emerge. Whole-cluster fermentation adds herbal lift. This is RSV’s signature: ethereal aromatics anchored by mineral precision.
• The palate delivers refined power: medium-to-full-bodied with beautiful density yet maintaining silky, almost ethereal texture. Red fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry, strawberry) shine with crystalline purity. Vibrant acidity provides extraordinary lift—the wine feels weightless despite concentration. Tannins remain firm but refined, providing structure for decades ahead. Finesse absolutely takes precedence over power.
• Mid-palate depth reveals sophisticated layering: red fruits, flowers (rose, violet), spice, minerals (limestone, iron, graphite), subtle oak. The wine shows RSV’s elegant character elevated by 2010’s structure: less power than Richebourg or La Tâche but greater aromatic complexity and mineral transparency. This is Burgundian elegance defined.
• The finish extends for beautiful length—70+ seconds—leaving impressions of red cherry, rose petal, crushed stone, and exotic spice. At 14 years, the wine remains youthful: structure dominant, fruit vibrant, acidity bright. The framework suggests another 25-35 years of graceful evolution toward complete ethereal elegance.
• This is DRC RSV from a legendary vintage: 2010’s structure married to RSV’s femininity creates wine for patient collectors. Opening now provides insight into youth; cellaring until 2040+ will reward with transcendent elegance. One of the finest modern RSV bottlings—built for multi-decade evolution.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at 16-17°C in finest Burgundy stems. Decant 2-3 hours—young 2010 wines need substantial air. Allow 60+ minutes in glass. Wine evolves for 5-6 hours. Reserve for special occasions deserving legendary Burgundy.

Exceptional pairings:

• Delicate game: wild duck, roasted pheasant, partridge
• Refined preparations: veal with morels, lamb with herbs, salmon with Pinot Noir reduction
• Fresh truffle: simple preparations honoring both wine and ingredient
• Mature cheeses: Époisses, aged Comté, Brillat-Savarin

Cellaring & Evolution

At 14 years, barely entering prime with 25-35 years ahead. Peak maturity 2035-2055, pleasure through 2070. 2010’s structure rivals legendary vintages aging 50+ years. Store horizontally at 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity. Provenance critical. Multi-generational cellar wine.

Collector’s Note: DRC RSV 2010 represents long-term collector’s prize: legendary vintage, Parker’s enthusiastic reviews, extraordinary aging predictions (2050-2060). At auction, 2010 DRC appreciates steadily as vintage approaches maturity. For collectors building multi-generational cellars, 2010 RSV essential—wine to pass to children, opening at 2040-2050 peak maturity. Museum-quality elegant Burgundy.