2014 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Echezeaux Grand Cru 3x750ml

Vinous 93+

The 2014 Echézeaux Grand Cru is shockingly primary. Dark, brooding and introspective, the 2014 is in no mood to show all its cards today. The mid-weight structure of Echézeaux is evident, but whole cluster savoriness and incisive tannins are masking the fruit at present. I generally have no issue drinking wines on the younger side, but the 2014 is nowhere near ready to provide pleasure. It needs another five years at a minimum. This is a very serious Echézeaux. Tasted at a private dinner. [Antonio Galloni, 03/12/2024]

Robert Parker 92

The 2014 Echezeaux Grand Cru was picked on 24, 25 and 26 September at 27.8 hectoliters per hectare. It offers an expressive bouquet, more vivacious than the 2012 Echezeaux, with scents of black plum, raspberry preserve and subtle limestone aromas. It unfolds with confidence in the glass. The palate is surprisingly structured on the entry, perhaps with ambitions towards its elder brother, the Grands Echezeaux. There is a gentle, slightly leafy quality to this Grand Cru, perhaps more masculine and reserved than other vintages tasted just after bottling. The aftertaste feels long with a cheeky pinch of black pepper. Probably one of the most approachable 2014s from the domaine, and just as likely to be drunk too young! 1,443 cases produced. [Neal Martin, 02/02/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2035

JancisRobinson.com 18.5

Colour is both darker and a little denser than the Corton. The aroma is darker too, more dark-red fruit and more wild. A clear stemmy (but fully ripe) freshness. More immediately aromatic than the Corton but less prettily scented. Firm, compact but supple tannins. More immediate impact on the palate than the Corton and although it is immensely long, it does not linger in quite the same way – leaving an imprint rather than drawing you along by the fingertips. There’s a whiff of smoky oak spice as well. With air, more earthy, more savoury. Tannins give a compact density on the finish. The acidity seems softer than on the Corton but there is no lack of freshness and those accentuate it. (JH) [02/02/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2029-2050