The 2018 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru needs some encouragement from the glass but rewards the effort with wonderful pure dark cherry, bergamot, rose petal and vanilla pod aromas that gather pace with aeration. The harmonious palate is beautifully balanced with ripe succulent tannins and gentle grip. Gorgeous licorice-tinged black fruit here, and a very persistent finish. This is a superb Romanée-Saint-Vivant fulfilling its potential from barrel.