Richebourg 1997

Mongeard-Mugneret's 1997 Richebourg is like the essence of Burgundy's Pinot Noir, you know? The land of Burgundy nurtures it, and it's filled with the passion of the Mongeard-Mugneret family, who've been at this for ages. This vintage, in particular, has got people talking.

In the 12th volume of 'Drops of God,' Shizuku brings this wine to a business dinner. It initially seemed a bit heat-affected, but after decanting and giving it some time, it showed off a strength that defied that initial impression. It was like the wine was proving its worth, reclaiming its true character over time.

Tilt your glass, and you'll see that brick-red rim, hinting at its age. The aroma—it's got layers of tea, dried herbs, and that sous-bois complexity that just pulls you in. On the palate, it opens with a generous fruitiness, followed by a robust yet smooth acidity that's really pleasant. And then those velvety tannins come through. It's got a solid structure, with fruit, acidity, and tannins all in perfect harmony.

The finish is long, allowing you to savor it lingeringly. This is the kind of wine you want to enjoy in a proper glass, slowly. Serving it at a slightly cooler 14–16°C really brings out the aromas, and you'll see that decanting really does make a difference.