The outstanding, medium to dark ruby-colored 2001 Richebourg reveals a nose of spiced cherries and creamy blackberries. It expands on the palate, displaying toasted oak-infused black cherry syrup. This hugely spicy, medium-bodied wine has wonderful depth, and a friendly, juicy personality. Projected maturity: 2005-2012. Concerning the 2001s, de Villaine, the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti’s co-director, stated that “it was not an easy year, it was a real roller coaster for vignerons. The estate’s vineyards, like everyone in Burgundy, had rot infestations so we did two harvests, one for the best, healthiest bunches and then another. Of course, we meticulously sorted all the fruit as we always do.” Those readers who are always looking for news concerning the next vintage will be interested to hear the following. Unlike almost all his colleagues who said that 2002 was going to be a spectacular vintage, de Villaine informed me that it would “another irregular year.” Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661