Domaine de la Romanee Conti   Romanee Conti

1997 Romanee-Conti

By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

1997 Romanée-Conti from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Burgundy, France

In the pantheon of vinous offerings, few command the reverence given to a bottle of 1997 Romanée-Conti from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. The '97 vintage is a felicitous enigma amongst its peers, flirting with the climatic challenges that beset Burgundy in that decade, yet emerging triumphantly with a grace that underlines the mastery behind its creation.

 

The Artistry of Adversity

The year 1997 was not without its trials for Burgundian vintners; a warm spring ushered in early bud break, which was followed by an unpredictable summer. Such events set the stage for a challenging harvest. Yet, it is precisely this juxtaposition of factors – coupled with the seasoned intuition at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti – that culminated in a wine of profound versatility and nuance.

 

A Vintage of Surprising Vigour

Tasting the 1997 Romanée-Conti, one is greeted by an aromatic tapestry woven with threads of matured red cherries and earthy truffle. There’s a regal playfulness here, where subtle hints of rose petal dance amongst more established notes of leather and damp forest floor – a testament to its age and pedigree.

On the palate, what strikes immediately is the 1997 vintage's persistent elegance. The vivacity of its youth has evolved into a poised serenity. It walks a tightrope between robust structure and melting tannins, creating a harmonious interplay that might charm even the most stoic connoisseurs.

The significant investment appeal of the '97 vintage stems from this exceptional balance; it lies in that rare sweet spot where confluence of climate and human artisanship have conspired to craft something mesmerisingly ephemeral — yet eminently collectable.

 

A Chronicle of Liquid Elegance

In closing, the 1997 Romanée-Conti displays a symphony of sensory delights that captures both the heart and mind. The graces bestowed upon this vintage have enabled its transition into a wine not just remarkable for drinking but also as a radiant gem within an investor’s portfolio. Each sip tells a story – one written by nature's uncertainties but finished with the flourish of human expertise.

Market price (GBP)

£130,430.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

8695.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

The 1997 Romanee-Conti reveals a saturated dark ruby color as well as a mouth-watering nose of leather, juniper berries, cherries, and spices. On the palate, it marvelously combines the powerful, ripe fruit characteristic of the vintage with magnificent delineation and elegance. This soy sauce, licorice, flower, as well as blackberry flavored wine is dense and concentrated, yet lace-like and gloriously precise. It stands, as is expected given its rarity, price, and reputation, as one of the stars of the vintage. Projected maturity: 2001-2012+. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel (707) 963-9661.

Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 29 October 1999

Vintage performance