1980 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti Grand Cru

Attentive readers will know that I adore this vintage at the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and this bottle (number 61) of the 1980 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru didn't disappoint even my elevated expectations. Wafting from the glass with lifted, ethereal aromas of rose petals, peonies and potpourri mingled with notions of raspberries, coniferous forest and exotic spices, it's more floral and fruity, a quality that's replicated on the medium to full-bodied, intense but weightless palate that's suave, seamless and melted, with a cool core of fruit and a long, intensely aromatic finish. This sensual, captivating wine brought an immediate hush to the table when it was served.