Domaine Leroy   Romanee Saint Vivant Grand Cru

2003 Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru

By Domaine Leroy

2003 Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France

The revered vintage of 2003 in Burgundy is one that invokes intrigue and respect for its resilient and distinctive expressions. In the pantheon of Burgundy wines, the 2003 Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy remains a testament to the intense growing season that preceded its creation.

 

Climatic Challenges Yield Concentrated Complexity

The scorching summer of 2003 across Europe challenged vintners and vines alike. In Burgundy, the heatwave accelerated ripening, prompting an early harvest – a rare occurrence in this traditional bastion of winemaking. Domaine Leroy, known for its biodynamic principles, expertly navigated these conditions, extracting the quintessential strengths from their stressed vines. The resulting Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru reflects not only Domaine Leroy's unmatched terroir but also the unique climatic imprint of 2003.

 

A Vintage for the Sophisticated Palate

Tasting the 2003 Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy is an entrancing experience. The nose beckons with an aromatic kaleidoscope of stewed cherries, blackcurrant and anise. On the palate, each sip unfurls seductively with layers of kirsch-laced plum and an ethereal hint of violets – an array which could only emerge under such testing weather conditions.

The wine's opulent and velvety texture belies a backbone of finely honed tannins and a lingering finish that reveals subtle hints of leather and earth. This wine is reminiscent of, yet distinct from its siblings, capturing a potent snapshot of history in each bottle.

 

The Wine Investor's Pursuit

In the fervour of fine wine investment, astute collectors recognise that certain vintages rise above expectations to become icons of their era. The 2003 Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy, with its robust character shaped by an extraordinary season, stands as one such collectible treasure. Its scarcity and prestige make it a sought-after asset on the global stage, promising not just a remarkable drinking experience but the potential for appreciating value as well.

In conclusion, the 2003 Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru provides far more than sensory indulgence; it offers a narrative woven into each glass – a narrative that speaks to both the connoisseur's search for excellence and the investor's quest for rarity.

Current market price

$178,570.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

7640.71

Scores and tasting notes

94

Described by Mme. Leroy as being aromatically reminiscent of “a bouquet of flowers,” the perfumed, floral, red fruit-scented 2003 Romanee-St.-Vivant reveals massive depth to its red cherry, raspberry, and candied strawberry-flavored character. Medium to full-bodied, this focused, satin-textured effort combines characteristics of precociously forward fruit with firm tannin and an impressively long finish, rendering the maturity predictions exceedingly difficult. 2008-2015? Represented by Leroy, Inc., San Rafael, CA; tel. 415-457-4811, various importers, including Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400; Stacole Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (800) 741-7791; Lauber Imports, Somerville, NJ; tel. (908) 725-2100; and MacArthur Beverages, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 338-1433

Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 28 August 2005

Vintage performance