2008 Domaine de la
Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti Grand Cru

BY NEAL MARTIN |&nbsp;SEPTEMBER 09, 2024I know, I know, I
know. With all the discussion about the unaffordability of Burgundy, why this 2008
Romanée-Conti Grand Cru? Simply because this bottle was not scurried away
in some dusty cellar. It was not used to make a profit. It was not brandished
about to show off someone’s wealth. It had one reason and one reason only–to be
drunk for what it is, something as banal and wondrous as wine.<img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.vinous.com/uploads%2F1725888921754-romanee-conti+2008+%281%29.jpg">The 2008
Romanée-Conti is an exquisite articulation of Pinot Noir in a challenging
growing season. Former cellar master Bernard Noblet practiced strict sorting, resulting
in approximately half the usual crop. Showing light bricking on the rim, the
bouquet is not dazzling in its complexity. Instead, it has an ethereal airiness
as if brambly red fruit is suddenly floating in the air. This gains intensity
with aeration because, for once, we could appreciate this wine for over an
hour. Iris and potpourri hints eventually emerge, while the 80% stem inclusion imparts
a subtle tertiary character. The palate is cut from a similar cloth. Reflecting
that vintage, this is a fine-boned Pinot Noir with filigree tannins, perfect
acidity and light earthy/undergrowth scents filtering through the pretty red
fruit. It is no more, no less than a delicious red Burgundy that had fulfilled
its true raison d’être. 96/Drink 2024-2048. © 2024, Vinous. No portion of this article may be copied, shared or re-distributed without prior consent from Vinous. Doing so is not only a violation of our copyright, but also threatens the survival of independent wine criticism.

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