The Holy Grail: Invest In The 2016 Romanée-Conti From Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

The Holy Grail Of The Wineworld

The mighty Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) has manifested itself as one of the most important Burgundy producers since the 1980s, achieving a legendary, almost mythical status. With two grand cru monopoles, Romanée-Conti and La Tâche, and ownership of land in some of the world's most famous vineyards such as Richebourg, Romanée Saint-Vivant and Montrachet, DRC is a powerhouse in Burgundy and the producer behind a wide range of the world's most sought-after wines.

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has really been one of the main contributors to the price increases in Burgundy, and the future potential of these wines is simply without limit. If you believe that people will continue to drink wine in the future and believe that the world elite will become even richer, and that the number of rich people in the world will increase, then Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is the perfect wine to go for - for the few who are able to obtain it. A Opportunity you have right now.

Read our detailed portrait of the cult producer here: Portrait of the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

The level among these 10 vintages is unique in itself, whereby the 2 x 100 points from Parker are extremely exciting. However, the very high scores from Burghound, who can rightly be described as the absolute toughest Burgundy critic, are also particularly remarkable. In fact, Burghound has only awarded the perfect 100 points three times so far - all three times to Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: 1962 La Tâche, 1962 La Tâche Magnum and 1945 Romanée-Conti.

There Is Rare, And Then There Is Romanée-Conti

The investment potential consists of both a huge reputation, unbeatable quality, a heritage, and a legend. But most importantly, it is also reflected in the fact that only a fraction of what is in demand is produced. Romanée-Conti, which can be considered “the heart” of the Vosne-Romanée wine Mecca, measures just 1.88 hectares, or almost two football fields. The grand cru classification dictates a maximum of 35 hl/ha may be yielded here, which is one of the strictest restrictions for red wine. Nevertheless, the DRC limits its output to only about 20 hl/ha to ensure sublime quality. This means that in a normal vintage, only about 5,400 (!!) bottles of Romanée-Conti are produced; in the 2016 vintage it was only 5,280. Furthermore, Burgundy was hit by a catastrophic spring frost in 2016, which damaged some of the best vineyards to such an extent that this otherwise strong vintage, yielded significantly less wine than normally – while in the meantime, the demand increased.

Value For Money In The World's Most Exclusive Wine

Although value for money and the most prestigeous and exclusive wine in the world might not sound like two compatible poles, this case offers a unique opportunity to get exactly that.

As mentioned earlier, the 2015 vintage and the 2016 vintage are completely comparable, with the exception of a single point from Vinous' Neal Martin. Otherwise, both vintages get a perfect 100 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and a staggering 99+ from Burghound. However, there is currently a price imbalance between the two that makes the 2016 vintage particularly attractive: 2015 Romanée-Conti currently trades for approx. €20,000/btl.^*, while loose bottles cost € 18,000-18,500 depending on US/EU label.

By comparison, you can currently buy the 2016 Romanée-Conti in OWC for € 16,500/btl. This means that you save more than 17% compared to the 2015 vintage. If it is a loose bottle with a US label, the saving is almost 14% and 13.5% with an EU label.

This is a massive saving on the 2016 vintage, which, with the exception of one point from Vinous, has exactly the same characteristics and qualities, and should and must cost the same in the long run. In other words, on short term this is a massive potential upside, while Romanée-Conti, as always, offers a huge long term potential.

* Price per. Bottle ex. VAT, in perfect condition and whole cases.

Rarewine Invest's Opinion

If you believe that the greatest, best, and most exclusive wine will continue to shine like the brightest stars in the wine sky, then Romanée-Conti from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is the right choice. It simply does not get any bigger or more legendary than this. Wine lovers and wine enthusiasts pounce on the sparse quantities, but even with will and capital, Romanée-Conti is not necessarily obtainable. The wines are often distributed through old allocation contracts. For example, only a few bottles are given to Denmark each year - and unless you are a Michelin restaurant, you will have to wait for years just to be offered a single bottle - if you are that lucky.

Nevertheless, here you have the opportunity to invest in quantities of the most sought-after wine in the world, and even from a top vintage - both in loose bottles and in something as rare as whole cases. In other words, it is an extremely rare opportunity to invest in one of the wine world's greatest jewels, if not the greatest - but you have to be quick, because interest in Romanée-Conti tends to be high. And for good reason.

NOTE: We recommend acting quickly if you want to invest. Since the new year, we have seen increased interest in wine investments and have had to report sell-outs after just a few hours for the last four investment tips. If you want to secure an investment in 2016 Romanée-Conti, and that too at an attractively low price, then now is the time.