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

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Saint-Vivant 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.

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 2016 Vintage

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

For DRC’s RSV specifically, 2016 proved exceptional: the vintage’s natural elegance matches the terroir’s feminine character perfectly. The wines show pure red fruit, vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and the aromatic complexity that defines great RSV. While less immediately seductive than warm vintages (2009, 2015), 2016 offers the structure and balance for long-term aging.

At 8 years, the 2016 RSV is developing beautifully: initial tannic firmness is softening while retaining structure, and early tertiary complexity is emerging. The wine offers both immediate pleasure and 25-30 years of future evolution—classic DRC aging potential from a terroir that rewards patience with ethereal elegance.

Tasting Experience

• The aromatics showcase RSV’s legendary elegance: red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry dominate, wrapped in layers of rose petals, violet, and exotic spice (star anise, white pepper). The 2016’s structure provides backbone to the perfume: crushed stone minerality, subtle earth (forest floor, truffle), and integrated oak. The whole-cluster fermentation adds herbal lift. This is RSV’s signature: aromatic complexity elevated by mineral precision.
• The palate delivers RSV’s feminine character: medium-to-full-bodied with beautiful density yet maintaining silky, ethereal texture. Red fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry, strawberry) shine with purity, supported by vibrant acidity that provides lift and energy. The tannins, refined and elegant, provide structure without power. This is finesse over force, elegance over concentration.
• Mid-palate depth reveals RSV’s sophistication: layer upon layer of flavor—red fruits, flowers (rose, violet), spice, minerals (limestone, iron), subtle oak. The wine shows less power than Richebourg or La Tâche but greater aromatic complexity and refinement. The 2016’s structure ensures decades of evolution while maintaining RSV’s signature grace.
• The finish extends for beautiful length—70+ seconds—leaving impressions of red cherry, rose petal, iron, and exotic spice. At 8 years, the wine shows early maturity: tertiary notes emerging while retaining fresh fruit and bright acidity. The structure suggests another 25-30 years of graceful evolution toward complete elegance.
• This is DRC RSV at its finest: ethereal elegance from a classic vintage. The 2016 offers both immediate pleasure and long-term aging potential—everything collectors seek from RSV. Less expensive than La Tâche or Richebourg but equally sophisticated for those who treasure refinement over power.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at 16-17°C in finest Burgundy stems—Zalto or Riedel Sommelier. Decant 90-120 minutes before service. Pour gently. Allow 45-60 minutes in glass—RSV’s aromatics continue evolving for 4-5 hours. This wine rewards contemplation and patience.

Exceptional pairings:

• Roasted game: wild duck breast with cherry reduction, roasted pheasant with truffle
• Delicate preparations: veal with morel sauce, lamb with herbs, salmon with Pinot Noir reduction
• Fresh truffle: scrambled eggs, risotto, simple preparations honoring both wine and ingredient
• Mature cheeses: Époisses at peak ripeness, aged Comté, Brillat-Savarin

Cellaring & Evolution

At 8 years, entering early maturity with 25-30 years ahead. Peak maturity 2030-2045. Store horizontally at 12-14°C, 70-75% humidity. Provenance critical—ensure perfect fill and documented storage. DRC RSV from great vintages ages 30-35 years, rewarding patience with ethereal elegance.

Collector’s Note: DRC RSV 2016 represents elegant DRC at accessible prices: classic vintage, proven structure, DRC’s largest RSV holding. Less expensive than La Tâche or Richebourg but equally sophisticated. At auction, RSV appreciates steadily as collectors recognize its refined character. Essential for cellars focused on elegance over power.