2009 Richebourg
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Tasting notes
A rare disappointment from an estate that, at its best, produces what I consider to be the world's greatest wines, the 2009 Richebourg Grand Cru is rich and exotic but dominated by rather planky new oak. What went wrong?
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Richebourg Grand Cru, which I had not tasted for 13 years, is instantly identifiable as that of Lalou Bize-Leroy on the nose. One can ask whether that is a good or bad thing. Don't you want to taste vineyard rather than the imprimatur of the winemaker? Still, the aromatics are attractive once quite a heavy reduction dissipates. But the oak never fully exits the room. The palate is medium-bodied with a core of sweet candied fruit, lightly spiced with a dash of white pepper. It meliorates in the glass and becomes glossy and extroverted. A lovely Pinot Noir, for sure, though it lacks a bit of personality and articulates more of the winemaker than the terroir. Tasted blind at the 2009 horizontal at Club 1243.
Much easier to appreciate than the Romanée St-Vivant. Flattering but lively nose. Transparent, a little coarser than the Romanée St-Vivant. Easy to love but a bit wilder. Rich and spicy. Firm tannins and much more open on the palate. Vibrant finish. Long. (JR)
About the producer
For many, Domaine Leroy represents the pinnacle of fine Burgundy. Owned and run by the legendary Lalou Bize-Leroy, the domaine in Vosne-Romanée is one strand of the Leroy empire, along with Maison Leroy and Domaine d’Auvenay.