1990 Echezeaux
By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1990 Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, France
The exceptional 1990 vintage from the hallowed cellars of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti has long captured the imagination of connoisseurs and investors alike. The 1990 Echezeaux, a testament to the masterful vinification and the illustrious terroir of Burgundy, stands as a pinnacle of viticulture grace. In my extensive chronicles of wine, very few have the enchanting allure found in a bottle of this rich Burgundian history.
Elegance and Complexity: The Cornerstones of Investment-worthy Wine
Marking a season that Burgundy enthusiasts reminisce over, the 1990 growing year gifted vintners with an almost perfect balance of conditions. This led to a harvest that produced wines with profound depth and longevity – qualities that savvy investors covet. The 1990 Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti is no exception; it showcases longevity and sophistication that are quintessential hallmarks of a legacy wine.
An Epoch in a Bottle: The 1990 Vintage Unveiled
Richly perfumed, this Echezeaux unfolds with an intoxicating bouquet of ripe cherries, blackcurrants, and an undercurrent of truffle and spice – defiantly announcing its presence. As it decants, it reveals layers upon layers, an intricate lacework of flavours finely woven through decades. The palate is transformative; each sip brings a rush of velvety tannins interlaced with a bright acidity. A spine of minerality holds true to the Echezeaux's strong sense of place while providing a counterpoint to its lavish fruit notes.
Regal in stature yet whispering sotto voce complexities that invite contemplation, the 1990 vintage imparts an unparalleled sensory journey - one that yields not only pleasure but also the prospect of judicious financial returns to those discerning enough to include it in their investment portfolio.
In conclusion, the 1990 Echezeaux from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti radiates with vitality and precision almost three decades hence. Its integration, balance, and exquisite expression of terroir merit nothing less than our deepest admiration. As both an artefact of viticulture splendour and a robust asset promising continued appreciation, it holds an unshakeable position in the pantheon of investment-grade wines.
Market price (USD)
$34,160.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
2331.67
Scores and tasting notes
The 1990 Echezeaux continues to confirm that the DRC has been successful in turning out a richer, more structured wine in vintages since 1988. The deep color (it may be the darkest Echezeaux I have seen) is followed by a bouquet with well-developed aromas of spices, plums, black-raspberries, and sweet new oak. In the mouth, the wine exhibits admirable toastiness, rich, medium to full body, moderate tannins, low acidity, and an impressive finish. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2010. The DRC 1990s, all of which were bottled in April/May, are among the deepest colored wines from this domaine that I have tasted in the last decade. Moreover, they are firmly structured, with significant tannins from both the vintage and from the aging in 100% new oak barrels. For the fortunate few who have had the discretionary income to afford the other great vintages of the DRC from the eighties, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1988, and 1989, the question is - are the 1990s superior? I am not sure they are any better than the 1980s, 1985, and 1988s, but they undoubtedly represent a classic, concentrated, long-lived style of wine. Moreover, all of these wines should have a more graceful evolution and broader window of drinkability than the tannic 1988s, as well as potentially greater longevity than the succulent and opulent 1985s. All of these offerings are outstanding, with that tell-tale complex, exotic fragrance that the DRC routinely achieves. NOTE: Prices had not been released (the wines will arrive in early 1993). I have inserted the same prices asked for the 1989 vintage as an approximation of what these wines will fetch. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 October 1992