2016 Alain Hudelot-Noellat, Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 3x750ml

Vinous 93-96

Dark red-ruby. Distinctly wild aromas of black raspberry, crushed rock, bitter chocolate, cocoa powder and leather lifted by a spicy element. Extremely unevolved following a very late malo but already wonderfully sweet, concentrated and creamy, conveying almost painful density to its black fruit flavors. Firms up dramatically on the rocky, mineral-driven back end. Almost tough today but boasts great potential. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2018]

Robert Parker 94

The 2016 Romanee Saint-Vivant Grand Cru was the last one to finish its malolactic this year. It has a very pure and focused bouquet, the Malconsorts plus one if you like, sporting outstanding mineralite and tension. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly chalky tannin, conveying plenty of energy and tension, quite sharp in the mouth with a fine bead of acidity and a sustained finish. The plus sign indicates that I am conservative with my score given the late malolactic and it would not surprise me if it steps up a level once in bottle. [Neal Martin, 11/30/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045