Naturally Lachaux’s 2008 Romanee Saint-Vivant bats last in the Arnoux line-up, but in addition, this vintage it puts every wine that came before it in the collection into perspective, and all but the Reignots in the shade (not that as a group these weren’t already noir enough Pinots). Sumptuous black fruits accented by fruit pit piquancy; complex if to some extent ineffable, decadent forest floor and mineral notes; exotic spices, rich chocolate, and heady floral perfume – all are on display in this seamlessly-rich, already velvet-textured beauty whose structure is implicit but deeply-buried. Yet there is not an ounce of superfluous fat or a bit of superficial sweetness, and there is that vibratory resonance possessed by the exceptional wines of this vintage. There are around 140 cases of this – not a small quantity by the standards of top-notch grand cru Burgundy – though of course a bottle will cost you dearly. I suspect it will be among the last 2008s to still be seducing a few lucky wine lovers 25 or more years from now. - David Schildknecht

This is quite similar to the Suchots in many respects, especially aromatically but there are more dimensions present as the RSV is finer, deeper, more elegant and more complex. The middle weight and reserved flavors are supple and relatively forward, indeed there is a tenderness, even a delicacy to them, all wrapped in a naturally sweet, seductive and hauntingly long finish. Lovely in every respect.