2002 Alain Hudelot-Noellat, Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 1x750ml

Vinous 96

The 2002 Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru is showing brilliantly. It has a very complex bouquet with dark berry fruit, sea spray, crushed rose petals and minerals that seem to blossom with aeration. The palate is beautifully balanced with filigree tannin, a perfect line of acidity, perhaps just a little chewiness on the entry but there is a wonderful crescendo and such purity on the finish. Before its identity was revealed I suggested it might be a Richebourg and I continued to think that way after. Superb. Tasted blind at Philippe’s Xmas lunch. [Neal Martin, 07/05/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030

Robert Parker 94

Tasted at Goedhuis’s Burgundy tasting at the Saatchi Gallery. I completely under-estimated this upon release. Here the RSV has a refined, well-defined bouquet with light strawberry, rosemary, boysenberry and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied and very finely balanced with red cherry, mandarin, crushed stone, fanning out wonderfully towards the under-stated finish that is so sensual. Lovely. Drink now-2020. Tasted March 2010. [Neal Martin, 01/03/2010]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020