Richebourg

Just under half the vineyard (3.51 hectares out of 8.03) belongs to Domaine de la Romanée Conti, spread over several plots. This is always a robust wine, deeper in colour than the Romanée St Vivant but not necessarily as elegant. The vines currently average 45 years old. About a third of the holding remained in ungrafted vines until 1946, with two cuvees being produced – a regular Richebourg and a version labelled Richebourgs Vieux Cépages. When these vines were grubbed up and replanted after the Second World War, cuttings were taken from La Romanée Conti which was also being replanted.

A perfectly balanced medley of oak, spice and ripe blackberrys. Mineral nuances frame rich and opulent flavours which are supported by a tannic spine and very long length indeed.

A tidy plot of Richebourg is a handy thing for a talented vigneron to own, especially when the vines date back to 1936. This wine is very backward at this stage so the detail is hidden but the glamorous purple colour, the exceptional nobility of the bouquet, the majestic explosion of fruit on the palate and its imperious length show how great it will be. Drink 2015-2030.

The beautiful bouquet of this Richebourg Grand Cru from Thibault Liger-Belair brims with promise and on the palate there is a huge swelling of dark red fruit that is a real mouthful. It is too early to see the full detail and structure of this wine but the fruit, tannins and acidity are all in perfect harmony.

• 2011 was a relatively easy year in the vineyards for Thibault, as there were no problems with health. The main decision was the date to pick (from 5th September) which he chose by leaf colour as an indication of the end of the vine cycle. He employed very gentle vinification this year to keep the fruit fresh. Thibault has been moving towards and elegant style, a little bit away from the plumpness of his early wines. He manages this through shrewd judgement on the use of stems and particular attention to the type and toasting of wood to be used. He is especially proud of his ‘tartare’ barrels with minimum toasting.

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This is still tight at present but there is a huge explosion of fruit at the front, even though it is hidden at the back. The excellent finish shows real intensity and class.
Jasper Morris MW,Berrys' Burgundy Director

Rich, glowing purple, with really vibrant heady red fruit, all tightly meshed. Explosive on the palate with a little touch of spice alongside the wealth of fruit. Pure and delicious.
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer

The vintage began here on 6th October, once again being short on quantity but with good qualitative potential. Thibault feels that the 2013s can take a long barrel ageing, perhaps up to 24 months. He is using fewer lees, but finer, in order to avoid too many reductive problems.