Scents of ginger, cinnamon, star anise, kirsch, framboise, marzipan, pistachio extract, and wood smoke rise dramatically from the glass of Arnoux 2006 Romanee Saint-Vivant, and the more so with further exposure. The sweet fruit and nut extract counterparts to these high-tones fan out in the mouth with liqueur-like richness, palpable abundance of extract, and ultra-fine tannins. Smoky, stony undertones convey an almost reverberative sense, but this is far less dominated by metaphorically dark, decadent, or meditative aspects than are most representatives of its great cru. Nor has this the soothing allure that characterizes so many of the best 2006s. A palate-staining, gripping, electrically energetic finish is in store for the lucky few who are served this (there were five barrels), featuring implosively-concentrated black fruits and meat reduction mingled with soy, nut paste, and brown spices. I would not re-visit it until 2012 or later and anticipate its remaining compelling two decades. - David Schildknecht

A relatively high-toned spicy red and black fruit pinot liqueur nose of real class and elegance merges seamlessly into fresh, vibrant and detailed flavors brimming with both minerality and an underlying sense of tension that adds real energy to the perfectly balanced and gorgeously long finish that doesn't quite have the overall depth of the 2007 but it's not far off either. This should age well for up to a decade, perhaps a bit longer and should be worth the wait though I take pains to note however that it will certainly be capable of holding for much longer. A wine of obvious breed and class.