2005 Romanée Saint-Vivant, Grand Cru, Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron, Burgundy

Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.

Known for its exceptional Pinot Noir wines, Romanée-Saint-Vivant is a prestigious wine region located in Burgundy, France. Its history dates back centuries, and the limestone-rich soils contribute to unparalleled elegance and finesse wines. With esteemed vineyards and minimal intervention winemaking, it showcases the best of Pinot Noir.

There are two main branches of the family. Jean Confuron (1904-1965) married a girl from Prémeaux, whither he moved. Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron continues under the name of his son, Jean-Jacques (1929-1983) who married Andrée Noëllat, and run today by the latter’s daughter Sophie and son-in-law Alain Meunier. Another son, Christian, set up in Vougeot, where his son is now in charge.