A Complete Look at Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Its Famous Wines

When people talk about Domaine de la Romanee Conti, there is always a mix of curiosity, admiration, and a little disbelief. For some, it is the ultimate dream bottle, the kind of wine you hear about in stories of record breaking auctions and legendary collectors. For others, it is pure fascination: What makes one wine so rare, so expensive, and so endlessly talked about?

Those who have been lucky enough to taste it rarely describe the experience with tasting notes or technical jargon. Instead, they talk about the feeling, the quiet pause after the first sip, the calm that settles in, the sense that something timeless just happened. It is not about showing off or chasing status; it is about connection, to the land, to craftsmanship, and to a tradition that has been cared for, vine by vine, for centuries.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or someone who simply enjoys a thoughtful glass of wine, Domaine de la Romanee Conti represents more than a label. It is a living reminder of what wine can be when it is made with patience, respect, and purpose. 

The Story Behind the Legend

The history of Domaine de la Romanee Conti goes all the way back to the 13th century, when monks from the Abbey of Saint Vivant began cultivating vines on Burgundy’s sacred slopes. In 1760, the vineyard became the prize in a famous bidding war between King Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour, and the Prince of Conti, who won and gave the estate his name.

Over time, the domaine endured revolution, change, and modern pressures, yet its identity never wavered. Today, DRC is the only Burgundy estate producing wine exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, including the iconic Romanee Conti and La Tache. Each year, only about 6000 to 8000 cases are produced, all handcrafted with extraordinary precision.

That limited production, combined with centuries of care and an unwavering commitment to quality, is why DRC wine is so expensive and why collectors around the world see it as the purest expression of Burgundy’s soul. For wine lovers, opening a bottle of Domaine de la Romanee Conti is not about luxury; it is about tasting history, heritage, and the quiet artistry that defines the world’s greatest wines. 

What is Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Where is it From

Domaine de la Romanee Conti, often known as DRC, is one of the most legendary wine estates in the world. It is located in the village of Vosne Romanee in the Cote de Nuits region of Burgundy, France, an area celebrated for producing some of the most refined and age-worthy Pinot Noir wines on earth. The estate owns a collection of Grand Cru vineyards, Burgundy’s highest classification, including Romanee Conti, La Tache, Richebourg, Echezeaux, Grands Echezeaux, Romanee Saint Vivant, and a small parcel of Montrachet, its only white wine. Each of these vineyards has its own microclimate and soil composition, giving every DRC wine a distinctive character that reflects its origin.

How is Domaine de la Romanee Conti Wine Made

The secret behind the greatness of DRC lies in its precision and philosophy. The estate practices biodynamic viticulture, a method that treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem. No chemicals are used; instead, natural compost and lunar cycles guide the farming. Every vine is pruned and tended by hand, often by workers who have been with the estate for decades.

During harvest, only the finest grapes are picked and sorted manually. Fermentation happens with native yeasts to preserve the natural expression of the fruit and the land. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for nearly two years, allowing their flavors to evolve and deepen. With only 6000 to 8000 cases produced each year, every bottle of Domaine de la Romanee Conti is both rare and revered. 

The Standout Bottles of Domaine de la Romanee Conti

Every bottle from Domaine de la Romanee Conti has its own personality, its own rhythm, story, and sense of place. Some are bold and structured, others soft and hauntingly elegant, but all carry that unmistakable DRC character that wine lovers can never quite forget.

Here are a few of the most talked about wines from Domaine de la Romanee Conti, the ones that continue to shape conversations, collections, and quiet moments shared over a glass. 

Ideal for High End Gifting and Exclusive Tastings

When you want a bottle that makes a true statement, the Domaine Romanee Conti La Tache 2017 is it. Rare, refined, and built to age gracefully, this is the kind of wine that defines a collection. Whether for a milestone celebration or a private tasting, it delivers intensity and finesse in perfect balance.

Tasting Notes:

Opens with deep aromas of dark berries, violets, and subtle spice. The palate is layered with black cherry, plum, and earthy undertones, powerful yet graceful, with a silky texture and a long, complex finish.

Pairing Suggestions:

Pair with filet mignon in blackberry sauce, duck with cherry glaze, or truffle risotto. It also complements gourmet burgers, roast chicken, and charcuterie. Every pairing highlights its deep berry notes and floral elegance.

Domaine Romanee Conti Richebourg 2017

Ideal for: Special Celebrations or Serious Collectors

The Domaine Romanee Conti Richebourg 2017 captures the essence of power and grace that defines Burgundy’s most iconic vineyards. This vintage stands out for its depth, balance, and structure — a wine that can age beautifully for decades yet already shows remarkable finesse. Collectors value it not only for its rarity but for how it expresses the strength and soul of Richebourg’s terroir.

Tasting Notes:

This wine opens with rich aromas of ripe dark berries, black cherry, and subtle floral notes, layered with hints of forest floor, cinnamon, and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and intense yet refined, with firm, polished tannins and vibrant energy running through every sip. The finish is long and elegant, revealing earthy minerality and a whisper of oak that speaks to its exceptional craftsmanship.

Pairing Suggestions:

The Richebourg 2017 pairs beautifully with rich, earthy dishes like beef tenderloin, duck confit, truffle risotto, or roasted lamb. It also complements aged cheeses and wild mushrooms. Let it breathe before serving to reveal its full depth and aroma.

Domaine Romanee Conti Echezeaux 2017

Ideal for Celebratory Occasions

The Domaine Romanee Conti Echezeaux 2017 is one of those wines that turns any moment into something memorable. It has incredible aging potential, lasting beautifully through 2040 and beyond. Whether you are gifting it to a client or opening it to mark a milestone, it brings elegance, depth, and unmistakable Burgundy prestige.

Tasting Notes:

This wine greets you with warm spice and earthy notes such as forest floor, delicate roots, and a whisper of mushroom. The palate is smooth and refined, supported by fine tannins and a firm mineral backbone. The texture is silky and precise, and the finish long, steady, and quietly powerful.

Pairing Suggestions:

Perfect with roast duck, mushroom risotto, grilled lamb, or aged cheese. Serve slightly cool and let it breathe; the Echezeaux 2017 truly shines with thoughtful food and pleasant company.

Domaine Romanee Conti Echezeaux 2019

Ideal for Wine Tastings or Elegant Dinners

The Domaine Romanee Conti Echezeaux 2019 is one of the more expressive vintages, smooth, charming, and ready to enjoy sooner than most. Earthy aromas of moss and wild game give it a natural, grounded feel, while its structure remains elegant and balanced.

Tasting Notes:

Expect soft notes of mushrooms, forest floor, and subtle spice. The palate is supple yet structured, with a quiet balance that lingers like a beautiful piece of classical music.

Pairing Suggestions:

Pairs classically with roast duck, grilled lamb, truffle dishes, and aged cheese, a timeless match for an unforgettable Burgundy wine tasting.

Domaine Romanee Conti Echezeaux 2020

Ideal for Collectors and Tastings

The Domaine Romanee Conti Echezeaux 2020 is often described as a country gentleman with a poetic soul, refined, elegant, and quietly powerful. Rare and highly collectible, this bottle often appears at exclusive auctions and private allocations.

Tasting Notes:

A mix of forest floor, mushroom, and spice meets vibrant dark berries like blackberry and ripe strawberry. The texture is velvety and balanced, with a lifted, juicy finish that feels both grounded and graceful.

Pairing Suggestions:

Try it with duck tacos, truffle grilled cheese, or beet salad. These dishes highlight its earthy depth and berry brightness beautifully.

Conclusion

In the end, what makes Domaine de la Romanee Conti special is not just its rarity, it is the feeling it leaves behind. Each bottle carries centuries of patience, care, and quiet craftsmanship, turning Burgundy’s soil into something truly emotional. These wines do not need to shout; they simply speak for themselves.

And if you are curious to experience that magic for yourself, you can shop Domaine de la Romanee Conti at Arlington Wine and Liquor, the perfect place to discover wines that tell a story in every glass.

DRC Wine FAQs – Echezeaux & La Tache Editions

1. Why is Domaine de la Romanee Conti wine so expensive

Domaine de la Romanee Conti (DRC) is known for producing some of the rarest and most sought after wines in the world. The combination of exceptional quality, limited production, and centuries of reputation makes each bottle incredibly valuable. With only about 5,000 bottles of Romanee Conti Grand Cru produced per year from a 1.8 hectare vineyard, supply is tiny while demand is global, which naturally drives up the price.

2. Which wines are produced by Domaine de la Romanee Conti

DRC crafts eight Grand Cru wines, each from its own historic vineyard: Romanee Conti, La Tache, Richebourg, Grands Echezeaux, Echezeaux, Romanee Saint Vivant, Montrachet, and Corton. Among these, Romanee Conti and La Tache are monopoles, meaning DRC is the sole owner of those vineyards, a rare privilege in Burgundy.

3. Does Domaine de la Romanee Conti make white wine too

Yes, though DRC is best known for its red wines made from Pinot Noir, it also produces a small amount of white wine from the Montrachet Grand Cru vineyard. In recent years, it has also begun managing a small plot of Corton Charlemagne, producing an equally refined and extremely limited Chardonnay.

4. What makes the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanee Conti so special

The DRC vineyards sit on Burgundy’s famous Cote d’Or slopes, where limestone rich soils and perfect sun exposure create ideal growing conditions. These vineyards are also recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their cultural and agricultural importance. Each plot captures a unique sense of place, or terroir, that gives the wines their signature depth and complexity.

5. Who owns and runs Domaine de la Romanee Conti today

DRC has been in the hands of just two families for more than 150 years. It is currently managed by Aubert de Villaine and Perrine Fenal, who represent the de Villaine and Leroy families. The next generation, led by Bertrand de Villaine, is continuing the family legacy with the same dedication to tradition and excellence.

6. Can you visit Domaine de la Romanee Conti

Unfortunately, visits to DRC are not open to the public. Access is strictly limited to importers, select collectors, and wine journalists. While you can stroll through the nearby village of Vosne Romanee, the estate itself is private, fitting for a winery whose name has become synonymous with exclusivity and quiet prestige.