Mocha, toasted oak, and roasting spices are discerned in the nose of the light to medium-bodied 2002 Romanee-St.-Vivant. Its suave, silky-textured attack reveals impressive black cherry and blackberry flavors intermingled with cafe au lait as well as violets. This light to medium-bodied wine’s mid-palate has terrific mouth-feel yet its lengthy finish displays some firm tannin that will require patience. Drink it between 2009 and 2016. Importer: Wilson Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Less forthcoming, the RSV delivers floral, cherry, fraises de bois and spice aromas and flavors. Combines finesse and power, with great persistence of fruit showing on the finish. Keeps getting better as the vines get older.—Non-blind 2002 DRC tasting (February 2005). Best from 2015 through 2035.??–BS??Region: France / Burgundy / Romanée St.-Vivant Select to Add