Last week we enjoyed a couple of Richebourgs.......quite different in styles, both reflecting terroir and vintage. My thoughts on them:
1990 Anne & Francois Gros Richebourg
Tasted 8 June 2010: Superb burgundy. Beautiful fruit, impeccable balance, poise and elegance, silky texture. A true beauty. Drinking perfectly now, will show well for another 5+ years. 19/20
The 1990 vintage conditions: Warm July, followed by perfectly timed rain in August to help accelerate the ripening process. Very healthy grapes. Over 200 hours of sunshine before harvest. No over ripening. Remarkable acidity, good sugar levels. Exceptional quality, perfectly balanced, concentration of flavours, complexity. An ageworthy vintage.
1996 Meo-Camuzet Richebourg
Tasted 15 June 2010: A medium ruby colour. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a good level of acidity. On the nose, the ripe red fruit and sweet spice led to coffee, burnt cream notes. This brulee character reminded us of the vintage conditions. The wine needed an hour and a half to open up. Then it became much more harmonious and elegant, still with the burnt character and rewarded us with a lengthy finish. Drinking at peak now and will continue to drink well for another 4 - 5 years. 17/20
The 1996 vintage conditions: very hot summer months, starting from end May, when temperatures were often higher than 30 degrees Celsius; some cold showers towards end of August caused concerns for grey rot, but the vintage was saved by a north wind which started early September. Rigorous sorting was important.
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