2017 Domaine de l'Arlot, Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru

The 2017 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru has an exquisitely-defined, focused bouquet of brambly red fruit, crushed stone and wilted rose petal. The palate is refined but powerful, with gently grippy tannins. There is a Richebourg-like backbone but Romanée-Saint-Vivant-like elegance toward the impressively long finish. This is a magnificent 2017 Grand Cru. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.

Opening in the glass with a deep but youthfully reserved bouquet of raspberries and cherries mingled with notions of rose petals, violets and spices, the 2017 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru is full-bodied, supple and enveloping, its velvety tannins cloaked in succulent fruit. Charming and exquisitely structurally refined, this is nonetheless the deepest, most introverted wine in the range, and it will demand at least a decade's patience.

Transparent garnet. Lovely scent. Delicate and fully formed fruit complexity. Already approachable. Wonderful precision and length. (JR)