Domaine de l’Arlot Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru 2010 750ml

94-96 The 2010 Romanee St. Vivant is a hard wine to fully evaluate at this stage. It was the last wine to finish its malolactic fermentation and is therefore developing at a slower pace than the other wines in the lineup. Currently it is the wine’s intensity, energy and drive that come through loud and clear. Given the exceptional level of the estate’s 2010s, there is every reason to be optimistic about the Richebourg. I look forward to re-tasting this wine in a few months, at which time my rating may need to be revised upward. Anticipated maturity: 2022-2035.

• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Appellation: Cote De Nuits
• Sub Appellation: Vosne Romanee
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world’s most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means ‘black pine’ in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.