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93-95 NM. "The 2016 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru includes 100% whole cluster but no new oak. This is because the fermentation was conducted in a new 15-hectoliter wooden tank, so the élevage is done in one-, two- and three-year-old barrels to reduce the wood influence. It has a very feminine, precise bouquet with dark cherries, raspberry, bergamot tea and just a hint of crushed rose petals, not powerful but nicely detailed. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, slightly crunchy in texture, thanks to the stem addition, and very well poised with a mineral-driven finish that flourishes on the aftertaste. This is another excellent contribution to the vintage from the domaine . . . . Geraldine compared the 2016 with 2015 in terms of quality, and she has good grounds for that viewpoint. This was an impressive set of wines, less flamboyant and fruit driven than the previous vintage, more linear and structured with graphite notes often cropping up on the finish. The Clos des Fôrets is among the best within the appellation, alongside Domaine Robert Chevillon’s, albeit in a different style. Also keep an eye on the excellent whites, especially for the La Gerbotte Blanc that should represent great value. It's nice to see how Geraldine has settled in at the domaine following the departure of Jacques Devauges to Clos de Tart and is now possibly making their best wines ever." Wine Advocate #234, Dec 2017 |