The name Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (or DRC as it’s commonly known) goes hand-in-hand with superlatives as the most famous, most expensive, and most collectible Burgundy in the world. Let’s not let all this dazzle blind us to the fact that it also makes quintessential and truly legendary wine! Owning the largest share of Romanée-Saint-Vivant, a plot that’s carefully divided into four, with fruit from each section diligently selected (or not as the case may be) for winemaking, Burghound awarded this Grand Cru 96 points. Displaying an elegant spicy, floral, and herbal nose with a palate of complex red currant and plum, this wine’s fruit, silky tannins, and explosive finish made the wine critic describe it as a “star”. Its drinking window is starting to open now.

With Domaine Leroy on the label, you’re drinking some of the greatest Burgundy in the world – and even this description isn’t hyperbolic enough! Run by the iconic Lalou Bize-Leroy, an innovator in biodynamic viticulture and winemaking, this house makes wine from the region’s most prestigious Grand Cru sites, with its Romanée-Saint-Vivant a precise terroir-expressive Burgundy from vines planted in 1924. With intense red berry fruit and earthy, complex depth, Burghound described it as having “impeccable harmony” and “Zen-like calm”, awarding it 96 points.

A relative newcomer to Burgundy laying down roots in the 1960s, Dujac has established a name for itself in the region’s upper echelons with its highly-lauded wines made through painstaking vinification methods that have had little need of alteration for half a century. This sensual Grand Cru features sweet, ripe dark berry, rose hints, and minty touches in a full, concentrated body lifted by a seam of minerality that echoes throughout its long finish. This 97-point wine (Antonio Galloni) was called a “knockout” by Burghound, and it’s entering its prime drinking window right around now.

Founded in 1962 with family roots pre-dating the French Revolution, Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat is renowned for quality old vines - with its holdings averaging 50-plus years – and meticulously controlled use of oak for full terroir expression. From a half-hectare plot, this Grand Cru features elegant mocha-hinted red cherry, tea, and florals in a satiny, finessed mouth with dense tannins and a balanced finish. Burghound awarded this Romanée-Saint-Vivant 95 points.

Esteemed for its organic and biodynamic viticulture in its Pinot Noir vineyards, Domaine de l’ Arlot, dating to the 18th century, boasts a range of premier vineyards around the Côte de Nuits. Its Romanée-Saint-Vivant is crafted from vines planted in 1973, a pedigree that comes out in its refined and rich, powerful, slightly spicy fruit, velvety texture, and endless finish. This red garnered 93 points from Burghound, who noted it’s ripe for enjoyment now and can benefit from further cellaring.

Celebrated for producing premium Pinot Noir from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, the foundations of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard date to the 1930s. The producer’s star player is its Burgundy crafted from a tiny parcel of Romanée-Saint-Vivant, the only wine in its portfolio that sees 100% new oak. Garnering 94 points from Burghound, this Grand Cru displays a spicy, dark berry, floral nose that deepens to a vibrant, silkily textured palate with flavors that find a perfect middle-ground weight, closing in a long, balanced finish. If you can wait another five years, this Burgundy will unfurl to perfection.