Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is the most renowned Red Burgundy house in the world- standing out for their rarity, quality, and history. The Domaine, as it is known widely in France, has arguably produced the most illustrious wine in the world since 1869. The wine is produced in limited quantity, roughly 450 cases annually, making the average price per bottle quite steep, and the collection value high. In fact, the most expensive bottles of DRC sold for over $500,000!
Utilizing tiny land parcels in Vosne Romanee, yields for DRC wines are tiny, making these wines supremely challenging to acquire. The seven Grand Cru vineyards of DRC are located at No.1, Rue Derrière le Four in Vosne-Romanée, nestled next to an old stone house. No detail goes unnoticed during the production of DRC; the vineyards are farmed by gentle horse hoof, rather than heavy machinery to prevent the soils from being compacted by weight. All biodynamically farmed with minimal intervention in the cellar means these wines have a truly special terroir.
While each bottling of DRC is known for its superior quality and limited productions, they are anything but equal. We’ve curated a breakdown of all the things you need to know about Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s famed Grand-Cru’s vineyards!
Romanée-Conti
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard Holding: 1.81 hectares
Average Cases Per Year: 450
Average Price Per 750 ML: $19,465
The Romanée-Conti vineyard is located within the Vosne-Romanée, sitting atop a slope that is not overly steep. Home to brown clay soils and pure chunks of limestone that reach up to 60 cm deep, it is quite often described as the perfect terroir. The prime location allows for optimal sun exposure year-round. This consistency is the key to Romanée-Conti’s success.
On The Palate: The famed Romanée-Conti is the most divine, highlighting a decadent floral bouquet. Known to be the perfect expression of the Pinot Noir grape, Romanée-Conti often features mineral notes, herb, licorice, strawberry, black cherry, and the perfect balance of smoke. The texture of Romanée-Conti is smooth and velvety.
La Tâche
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard Holding: 6.06 hectares
Average Cases Per Year: 1,870
Average Price Per 750 ML: $4,628
DRC La Tâche is resilient, known to produce quality wines, even in the most challenging growing years. At the highest points, the soils are rich in limestone, which is quick to drain. On the lower side of the vineyard, the soil changes and is composed of water grasping clay. These differences serve as an advantage for growers, providing different blending options in the cellar.
On The Palate: When compared to Romanée-Conti, La Tâche is known to be much bolder. Its striking nature features thick, velvety textures and rich notes of plum, and overripe black fruit. In comparison to other labels, La Tâche often displays much less minerally or earthy elements.
Richebourg
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard Holding: 3.51 hectares
Average Cases Per Year: 1,000
Average Price Per 750 ML: $3,124
The Richebourg grapes are situated farther north, making them the last to ripen and highest in acidity. As a result of its northern sloped location, the vintages of Richebourg are less consistent as those of La Tâche or Romanée-Conti. The best vintages of Richebourg are a result of warmer years as this area is much more weather-sensitive.
On The Palate: In general, DRC is known to be quite soft and luscious. However, this is not the case with the firmly structured Richebourg. Richebourg is complex and compelling, expressing much more tannin, acid, and dark fruits than other DRC selections. The powerful wines of Richebourg are best when cellared for at least two decades, allowing them time to develop into their best form.
Romanée-St-Vivant
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard Holding: 5.29 hectares
Average Cases Per Year: 1,500
Average Price Per 750 ML: $2,497
Romanée-St-Vivant is located just east of Romanée-Conti and Richebourg. This area features a higher percentage of clay when compared to neighboring vineyards, with enough limestone to remain balanced.
On The Palate: Of all DRC labels, Romanée-St-Vivant is the most feminine and elegant in structure. Romanée-St-Vivant is seductive and expressive, with notes of wild cherry, blackberry, and black pepper.
Échezeaux
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard Holding: 4.67 hectares
Average Cases Per Year: 1,340
Average Price Per 750 ML: $2,156
The Échezeaux label is of the lower end of DRC’s lengthy portfolio. In general, this growing region is susceptible to excellent weather and rainfall. The soils of the three vineyards used are generally calcareous, concentrated, and complex.
On The Palate: The palate of Échezeaux is rich, leathery, gamey, with hints of sweet spice. These deep notes are often paired with a more substantial, lengthy finish.
Grands Échezeaux
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard Holding: 3.53 hectares
Average Cases Per Year: 1,150
Average Price Per 750 ML: $2,424
Different from Échezeaux, Grands Échezeaux is only produced from one single vineyard. While the rainfall and temperature averages are nearly identical between the two, the soil of Grands Échezeaux is significantly superior. This soil has a finer concentration of limestone and marl, producing a more desirable result.
On The Palate: Nearly every vintage of Grands Échezeaux is notable. The palate of this label expresses aromas of raspberry liqueur, smoke, coffee, and rich chocolate. This label is known to have a firm tannic structure and high amounts of acidity, with a long, drawn-out finish.
Montrachet
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard Holding: .68 hectares
Average Cases Per Year: 250
Average Price Per 750 ML: $7,768
The grapes of Montrachet are particularly unique for many reasons. The sole source of white DRC grapes, the vines of Montrachet, are grown on some of DRC’s oldest vines, averaging over 60 years old. The grapes produced in this region are concentrated, aromatic, full-bodied, and powerful.
On The Palate: The taste of Montrachet typically unfolds notes of tropical fruit, significant minerality, and ample buttery expressions. The texture of this wine is undoubtedly full-bodied and luxurious. With an average of just 250 cases produced each year, the Montrachet label is the rarest of them all.
DRC is one of the most coveted wines in the world, and luckily for you, we have a fabulous collection. Browse our current inventory of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti or explore any of the other great bottles of Burgundy in our cellar– there isn’t a wrong choice!
Do you have a favorite vineyard from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
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