Romanée-Conti (DRC) Iseaux: Infanticide or Exploration of Terroir? Burgundy Winemakers Offer Drinking Advice to Collectors
The complexity of Iseso and DRC's "Grand Cru" status
Located in the Côte de Nuits, the Echezeaux Grand Cru vineyard, covering approximately 36.26 hectares, boasted nearly 80 owners in the early 2000s. Due to the complex parcel divisions (divided into 11 distinct plots, such as Les Poulaillères and Les Champs Traversins), the wines are considered somewhat variable in quality. This is one reason why some wine critics consider Echezeaux a "second-rank grand cru."
However, DRC's performance at Ysèseaux is universally recognized as the pinnacle. DRC owns approximately 4.67 hectares of Ysèseaux, primarily concentrated in the prime plot known as Les Poulaillères (accounting for approximately 90% of DRC's Ysèseaux production). This makes DRC Ysèseaux's wines widely regarded as among the vineyard's most exceptional. This is why even young DRC Ysèseaux possesses incredible nuance and aging potential.
2018: A hot year of ‘iron and velvet’
Take the much-discussed DRC Echezeaux 2018 vintage as an example, which has been described as an extremely “hot” year with “extreme” fruit ripeness.
One experienced wine lover who tasted the 2018 DRC Echezeaux described the wine's pure oak and fruit power as "shooting out of the glass like a rocket" upon first pouring. The palate was incredibly tight, with an "iron fist" feel. They even worried they'd made the mistake of not decanting the wine for at least five hours.
But as time passes, the wine begins to reveal its true character, a velvet glove perfectly fitting over the iron fist. The initially overwhelming oak flavors transform into sweet cigar smoke, old leather, and red fruit. This demonstrates that even a young, powerful DRC wine can develop complexity and depth over time.
Refuting "infanticide": The drinking philosophy of Burgundy winemakers
Some experienced wine enthusiasts have commented on the practice of opening bottles of DRC Echezeaux 2018 at such a young age, saying it might be “too early.” This leads to a drinking philosophy that is prevalent among Burgundy collectors:
“Burgundy is best enjoyed young or old, but not in between.”
This means: either drink the wine within the first few years after release, or wait for decades. A wine lover mentioned that they had heard the same statement in an interview with the winemaker of DRC Winery.
This view provides theoretical support for drinking top-tier wines young. A Burgundian winemaker further confirms this point: Terroir is best experienced when the wine is very young . Drinking it young allows one to experience the characteristic "baby fat" of Burgundy wines—a pure, unadulterated expression of terroir prized by many winemakers and collectors. Therefore, drinking DRC Echezeaux young is not entirely a wasteful act of "infanticide," but rather an exploration of the original meaning of terroir.
DRC's winemaking philosophy and aging potential
The strong aging potential of DRC's wines is inseparable from its traditional and rigorous winemaking philosophy.
- Whole Cluster Vinification: DRC typically does not destem its wines (whole cluster vinification). While Henri Jayer, another Burgundy winemaker, is known for his insistence on 100% destemming, DRC uses a rigorous triage of bunches. Using whole clusters provides the wine with more tannins and structure, which is essential for aging for decades (even over 25 years).
- New Oak Aging: All DRC wines are aged in 100% new French oak for 16 to 24 months. While some critics worry that new oak can overpower the delicate flavors of Pinot Noir, DRC is able to achieve a perfect balance between power (oak) and terroir (purity of fruit).
- Scarcity and longevity: The aging potential of Echezeaux is well-established in the market. For example, a 1.5-liter bottle of 1985 Henri Jayer Echezeaux Grand Cru sold at auction for US$80,198 (at the exchange rate at the time). This demonstrates the exceptional longevity and value of top-quality Echezeaux.
Market Sensitivity and Recycling Opportunities
From a market perspective, the price fluctuations of DRC Iseso directly affect collectors’ buying and selling strategies.
According to Liv-ex data, the relative strength index (RSI) of the DRC index (which includes the 10 latest real vintages such as Echezeaux and Grands Echezeaux) fell below the "oversold" threshold of 30 for the first time and is currently at 29.9.
While technical indicators in the DRC market remain bearish in the short term and volatility remains high, Liv-ex believes that for long-term collectors, there is an opportunity to acquire investment-grade full cases of DRC during price declines.
The price of DRC Echezeaux in circulation has remained high. Based on the market data we have obtained, the prices of DRC Echezeaux are as follows (converted to Hong Kong dollars based on the data provided by the source and the exchange rate on the day):
| Wine | years | Price (HKD/750ml)* | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRC Echezeaux | 2018 | HK$23,470 | Market Quotes |
| DRC Echezeaux | 1999 | (approximately HK$37,611) | USD $4,822 |
| DRC Echezeaux | 1993 | HK$27,370 | Market Quotes |
| DRC Grands Echezeaux | 2020 | HK$23,470 | Market Quotes |
| DRC Grands Echezeaux | 1996 | HK$38,740 | Market Quotes |
*Note: Hong Kong dollar prices are converted based on data provided by the source or estimated US dollar prices. Actual exchange rates fluctuate daily.
It can be seen that whether you choose to drink it young or age it for a long time, the market value of DRC Iseso is extremely strong.
Drinking Advice for Collectors
When it comes to a top-tier wine like DRC Echezeaux, the ultimate drinking moment comes down to personal preference:
- If you are looking for pure terroir and "baby fat": open the wine within the first few years after its release to experience its most direct terroir expression and youthful tannin power.
- If you are looking for complexity and roundness: you should follow the winemaker's advice and wait patiently for at least 15 to 20 years to allow the tannins and oak flavors to blend perfectly with the roasted fruit flavors, showing its "velvety" complexity and finesse.
At Hong Kang Trading Company , we firmly believe that every bottle of DRC is a work of art. Whether you decide to enjoy its purity in its youth or wait for it to mature, its rarity and value are unquestionable.
Hongkang Trading Company
Are you thinking of cashing in on your treasured DRC Echezeaux or Grands Echezeaux collection (whether it's a young vintage like 2018 or 2019, or a classic like 1999 or 1985)?
Hongkang Trading Company is committed to providing professional, fast and above-market recycling services. We value the origin, condition and potential of each bottle of wine.
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