In notable contrast to the Grands Echézeaux, the 2004 RSV is notably powerful in this vintage. The bouquet is deep and still quite primary, offering up notes of red and black cherries, violets, a bit of dark chocolate, fine soil tones and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and lush, with excellent structure and focus, ripe tannins, and outstanding length and grip on the finish. Today the new oak pinches this wine a fair bit from the mid-palate back, but this is no doubt only a phase. What I would not give to see this wine in particular with much less new oak at DRC. I cannot recall another vintage where the RSV that has shown more nascent depth and power than the Richebourg.

Marked by oak, the aromas show vanilla and spice notes. There's depth and richness to the black cherry fruit, accompanied by a sense of mineral. Firm yet finely grained tannins mark the finish.(BS)

A deft touch of wood frames exuberantly expressive and luxurious black fruit nose nuanced by a huge range of spices including anise, clove and cinnamon with notes of tea and hoisin as well. The moderately full flavors are sappy, rich and sweet with ample volume and a palate drenching finish that benefits from an underlying sense of vibrancy. There is real energy here, which seems to collect and focus the flavors. There is a mild trace of dryness though it's presently not enough to upset the balance materially. Overall, this is terrific stuff and exceptionally long with virtually no trace of vegetal character on either the nose or the finish.