Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands-Echezeaux

Tasting Notes from the Curator

The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands-Echezeaux is a fascinating synergy of aromas, flavors, and texture that is nothing short of ethereal. The aromatic journey begins with an expressive bouquet bursting with wild berries—strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries—that are fresh and vibrant, yet intricately supported by the deeper lushness of ripe plums. As the wine breathes, it unfurls stunning floral notes reminiscent of delicate rose petals, intertwined with hints of sweet spices such as cinnamon and clove, offering a warmth that is juxtaposed with the subtle scintillation of white pepper. Earthy undertones of forest floor and savory morels echo the terroir, grounding the effervescent bouquet in a rustic character. Completing this olfactory array is a whisper of incense, imparting a mystical dimension.

On the palate, the Grands-Echezeaux unfurls layers of complexity with vivid raspberry and cranberry flavors underscored by a backbone of vibrant acidity. The richness of plums emerges once more, creating a mid-palate that is both harmonious and compelling with a piquant touch of white pepper and the mineral sophistication of graphite. The texture is perfection embodied; full-bodied and structured, yet supremely velvety, offering a monastic quality of balance between firmness and a softness that envelops the senses. A captivating unctuous attack gives way to sweet, powdery tannins, leaving a smooth, refined mouthfeel that is approachable yet possesses the gravitas to evolve gracefully over time. This is a wine with an illustrious, sapid finish that lingers with serenity, whispering the tale of its majestic heritage.

Pairings & Suggestions

• Duck à l’Orange: The richness and citrus notes complement the wine’s fruity and spicy profile.
• Herb-Roasted Chicken: The herbal nuances enhance the floral and earthy characteristics of the wine.
• Venison Stew: The gamey flavors resonate with the wine’s complexity.
• Braised Wild Boar: Rustic flavors align with the wine’s aristocratic character.
• Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Earthy notes of the mushrooms beautifully complement the forest floor aromas of the wine.
• Aged Comté, Gouda, Roquefort: Comté’s nuttiness, Gouda’s caramel notes, and Roquefort’s saltiness create harmonious contrasts and complements to the wine.

A Legend Carved in French Terroir

The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, often referred to by enthusiasts simply as DRC, is more than just a winery; it is a living tribute to the grand tradition and meticulous art of Burgundian winemaking. The history of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is steeped in a rich narrative dating back to the 13th century when the land was cultivated by the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Saint Vivant. Recognizing the potential of the Côte de Nuits terroir, these monks laid the foundations of excellence that have persisted through the centuries.

By the 18th century, the vineyard had attracted the attention of the French aristocracy, most notably being acquired by Louis-François, Prince of Conti. This noble acquisition cemented the vineyard’s reputation, eventually bestowing the Grand Cru site with its illustrious name. In the modern era, the estate remains family-owned and embraces biodynamic farming principles, which not only safeguard the quality akin to its heritage but also ensure the sustainability of its terroir. Each bottle from this revered label is not only a testament to the craftsmanship and legacy of the past but also a fine ambassador for the future of exemplary winemaking. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands-Echezeaux continues to capture the imaginations of sommeliers and collectors, holding its own as an iconic presence in the mosaic of global fine wines.

Special Terms & Conditions – Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

At The Bow Tie Duck, we take immense pride in offering wines of legendary heritage and unmatched rarity. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is the pinnacle of this commitment. Due to the exceptional value and fragile nature of these wines, the following special terms apply to all DRC purchases.

Storage & Delivery

• DRC wines are stored in our professional, temperature- and humidity-controlled cellar until dispatch.
• Delivery is conducted exclusively by car to ensure the utmost care.
• We reserve the right to delay delivery during extreme weather conditions (e.g., excessive heat, storms) to protect the wine. You will be notified in advance of any delay.

Order Verification & Approval

• All orders for DRC wines are subject to manual review before confirmation.
• We may request valid government-issued ID and proof of billing address to verify the identity of the buyer.
• Orders deemed high-risk, incomplete, or inconsistent with responsible purchasing may be declined at our discretion, with any payment fully refunded.

Condition & Documentation

• Each bottle is inspected and photographed in detail prior to dispatch. These images constitute the official record of condition at time of sale.
• Minor cosmetic variations—such as slight label wear, capsule imperfections, or natural ullage—do not affect provenance or drinkability and do not qualify as defects.
• By completing your purchase, you acknowledge acceptance of the bottle’s documented condition.

Wine Faults & Cork Taint

• Wine is a living product, and even the finest bottles may occasionally present natural flaws, such as cork taint (TCA).
• Claims regarding faults must be submitted within 24 hours of opening and no later than 7 calendar days from the date of delivery.
• You must retain the bottle, remaining wine, and original cork, and be prepared to return them for evaluation.
• Refunds or replacements are not guaranteed and are subject to assessment by our suppliers. Due to the rarity of these wines, replacements may not be possible.

All Sales are Final

• Due to provenance sensitivity and collector value, all DRC wine sales are final upon delivery and acceptance.
• We do not accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations based on: Change of mind, Taste preference, Delayed opening, Improper storage after delivery

Risk, Liability & Storage

• Ownership and responsibility transfer to the customer upon delivery.
• Our liability is strictly limited to the amount paid for the bottle.
• The customer is fully responsible for proper storage after receipt. Claims regarding faults arising from conditions post-delivery will not be honored.

Acknowledgment

By completing the purchase of a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti wine, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these terms in full. This agreement ensures the highest standards of protection and experience for both parties.

Taste Profile

Technical Sheet

Storage Instructions

Store Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in a consistent environment. Ideal temperature is 10-13°C (50-55°F) with humidity around 70% to maintain cork integrity. It should remain in darkness to prevent UV damage, lying horizontally to keep the cork moist, ideally within a wine cellar or specialized refrigerator, avoiding areas with temperature fluctuations.