2020 Romanee St Vivant
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Tasting notes
Majestic doesn't quite capture the nobility of this wine, which is papal in its profundity. The nose is alluring, with notes of sweet spice, white pepper, florals, incense dancing across rich, velveteen fruit. It�s expansive yet with astounding delicacy to its cheek-coating tannin structure, building to a beautiful peacock-tail finish that you never want to end.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
More reviews and scores
A deep crimson-magenta colour. Some evolution in the fruit on the nose, though it is rather gorgeous. Some peonies and lush raspberries. A fine full fruit with lifted energy on the palate, shows the sunshine but in harness. The acid balance is very well judged.
Despite rigorous coaxing, the 2020 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru is tightly wound on the nose and doesn't really blossom in the glass. I find some reduction here. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid red fruit, muscular for its class, yet balanced. It doesn't kick on as well as others on the finish, though I appreciate the spicy aftertaste. It is a little outclassed in the company of others in this flight, yet it coheres and develops a seductive satin texture after 15 minutes in the glass. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.
About the producer
Founded in 1962 by Alain Hudelot and based in Chambolle-Musigny, Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat is today run by Alain’s grandson Charles van Canneyt and has become one of the region’s most respected estates.