DRC Romanee Conti 2000

Cellar Tracker 99
 
This bottle brought me back to why I fell in love with Burgundy. DRC did really well in 2000, and this was the epitome of their efforts. An absolutely beautiful wine; but in true RC style, this was about all whispers and gentle caresses rather than shouting power or ostentatious display. A wine of emotion, seduction and contemplation. What a nose this had. Damp earth, wet leaves - like the forest floor after an autumn shower - then black cherries and sweet dark berries, a twist of herby bramble, and a lovely quiet stream of Vosne spice that just floated out of the glass. Not showy, but so beautiful. Amazing. The palate was just incredible too. This was what Romanee-Conti is all about. Profound, deep, inexorable, yet completely crystalline, pure and transparent, like a diamond both reflecting and refracting its terroir, showing beautifully composed, almost quiet flavours of black cherries, dark berries, violets and gentle spice, all wrapped in silken robes. Pure, clean perfection. Always subtle, always gentle, always noble, and the balance - this was power without weight, intensity without effort, incredibly complex, yet always so incredibly yummy and easy to drink. A wonderful finish too. Long, quietly intense, yet so effortless and elegant. A special, special wine. Beautifully whole and complete. A whole lot more giving than the 2001 at this stage - this was magic tonight.