The Richebourg 2012 was picked September 27-28 at just 19 hectoliters per hectare, one of the lowest yields in this vintage. This has a serious bouquet, reserved at first, more earth than air. Unusual for this cuvee, there is a sense of exoticism here, a Richebourg daring to show a bit of ankle. Blackberry pastille intermingle with wilted violets, and there is a touch of warmth that belies the precocity of the growing season. Leaving it aside for 10 minutes, there are hints of Provençal herbs, broom and even fennel. The palate is medium-bodied and the first thing that strikes you is its backbone. Well, this is Richebourg after all. But there is an arching structure to this wine that is disguised by the silkiness of its texture, plus an almost citrus freshness and brightness on the finish. This is a Richebourg that will make you giddy with pleasure. (NM)

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While not as strong as it was from cask there is still some residual post-bottling reduction present and while I hope that very few bottles of this will be popped any time soon in the interest of "science", if they are, then I would strongly suggest decanting them for an hour or two first. The supporting structural elements are slightly riper than those of the Romanée St. Vivant with an abundant minerality adding lift to the broad-shouldered, powerful and impressively well-concentrated flavors that possess a sappy mouth feel. In much the same fashion the intensity of the massively long finish is borderline painful while displaying superb depth of material. In the past 5 vintages it has been neck and neck between the Riche and the Romanée St. Vivant in terms of which is the better wine but in 2012 it appears that the Riche may have the barest of edges.

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