Lot 29
When in Romanée

6 – 750ml 2004 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Echézeaux – in original wood case
6 – 750ml 2004 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Grands Echézeaux – in original wood case
6 – 750ml 2004 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, La Tâche – in original wood case
6 – 750ml 2004 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Richebourg – in original wood case
3 – 750ml 2004 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti – in original wood case

Even in the world of superstars, there are some who shine so brightly they are beyond compare. In the world of international soccer, there are the “Galacticos” - stars that shine so brightly their presence is known throughout the entire galaxy. Such is the reputation of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. The fame of this Burgundian benchmark is so widespread that its initials DRC are as well known in the world of wine as IBM is in the world of business.

The wines of DRC date back as far as 1760, and it currently has prime holdings in all of Burgundies’ Grand Cru vineyards, including the entirety of the vineyards of La Tâche and Romanée-Conti. As a result of the combination of DRC’s legendary stature and the minuscule production of these wines, there is simply not enough supply to sate demand - even for those to whom money is no object.

As with many vintages, the wines of DRC were the bellwether of the 2004 vintage. After a cool summer, as if by divine providence, six unbroken weeks of ideal weather beginning in late August ripened the Pinot Noir grapes to a perfect combination of richness and elegance – the epitome of power without weight. The complexity of these wines is mind boggling, yet each inescapably allows its terroir to separate them from all others. The Richebourg is intense, featuring brooding flavors wrapped in a powerful and muscular finish. The Echézeaux is as much a feast for the nose as it is for the palate, a powerful spice box of cherry, vanilla and Asian spices. The Grands Echézeaux contains the spiciness of the Echézeaux in a wine of outstanding elegance and stunning precision. Understated at the present, this is a wine to be savored after extended aging.

DRC’s two wholly owned Grand Cru vineyards, or “Monopoles,” cap this remarkable lot. La Tâche’s distinctive aromatic and flavor characteristics are easily discerned in this vintage, combining a classic nose of floral aromas, red fruits and cigar box with flavors both spicy and muscular. The 2004 DRC Romanée-Conti has incredibly pure floral and spice aromas with unbelievably smooth and complex full flavors. As Alan Meadows of The BurgHound has written, “while other wines have class, Romanée-Conti defines the term.” One of the very finest wines in the world in terms of harmony of expression, this vintage of DRC Romanée-Conti will continue to reveal its hidden pleasures over decades.

These wines represent the ultimate in Pinot Noir, wines for the cellar; alluring in their youth, with powerful complexities hidden deep within that only time will reveal.

DONORS: Simone & Scott Lutgert