This too is restrained to the point of being almost completely inexpressive and even extensive swirling barely reveals the most floral nose of all, along with discreetly perfumed, exotic and elegant aromas of Asian-style tea, sandalwood and ripe yet cool red and dark currant. The equally cool, pure and highly energetic large-scale flavors also possess a simply gorgeous mid-palate texture that contrasts somewhat with the compact, backward and taciturn finish that possess stunningly good complexity and incredible persistence. Other than the barest suggestion of warmth, the balance is perfect and like all of the greatest vintages of this storied and multi-faceted wine, the word that comes to mind is Zen as the sense of harmony is unmatched. As was the case from barrel last year, I could again taste this wine three days later and while I don't pretend to know if the 2019 RC will ultimately match the finest vintages over the past 100 years, based on the underlying material, it certainly has a very good chance of doing so. In sum, Burgundy doesn't get much, indeed if any, better than this. Date: Jan 2022; Drink: 2044+; Issue: 85; Rating 99+ Points; Allen Meadows; Burghound
 
The 2019 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru is a wine that brought tears to my eyes. Unfurling in the glass with scents of rose petals, black tea, wild berries, exotic spices, violets, bergamot and licorice, it's full-bodied, sensual and enveloping, with a broad attack that segues into a weightless but pungently intense mid-palate defined by striking energy and precision. Seamless and elegant, with melting tannins and mouthwatering acids, it concludes with an expansive, intensely floral finish. It's a monument in the making. Date: Jan 2022; Drink: 2033-2070; Rating: 100 Points; William Kelley; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate