2016 Hudelot-Noëllat Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru
A Grand Cru Born from Challenge
In the world of fine Burgundy, few names resonate with as much quiet authority as Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat. And among their most prized holdings, the parcel of Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru stands out - not just for its location, but for its legacy. Nestled between the storied vines of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Leroy, Hudelot’s 0.48-hectare plot produces one of Burgundy’s most refined and sought-after wines.
The 2016 vintage was anything but ordinary. Frost and mildew cut yields dramatically across the Côte de Nuits, yet what remained offered incredible purity and poise. In vintages shaped by adversity, the best domaines show their mettle - and this wine is a testament to that resilience. The 2016 Romanée-Saint-Vivant is beautifully composed, marked by energy, finesse, and quiet power.
A Singular Offering: One Case, One Chance
What makes this offer particularly special is its format: a complete 6-bottle original wooden case (OWC) - the only known example currently available anywhere in the world. Given the vineyard’s limited production in a normal year (~2,400 bottles), and even less in 2016, this is a true collector’s rarity.
Critics took notice. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate declared it “a magical Romanée-Saint-Vivant that matches or surpasses the 2015 rendition,” signaling its place among the finest wines of the vintage.
A Legacy of Terroir and Tradition
Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat has roots reaching back to the late 1800s. Over generations, it has quietly amassed holdings in some of the Côte de Nuits’ most fabled vineyards, including Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot, and multiple Premier Cru parcels in Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny.
Since 2008, Charles Van Canneyt, the grandson of Alain Hudelot, has carried the estate forward. His approach emphasizes transparency and tradition - fermentation with native yeasts, gentle extraction, and oak use scaled to the intensity of the wine. For Grand Crus like this, aging in 30–50% new French oak is typical, offering structure without overpowering the site’s natural expression.
Tasting Notes and Ageing Potential
The 2016 RSV is immediately captivating in the glass. Aromas of wild black cherry, violets, and spice rise from the glass, layered with floral lift and earthy depth. The palate is silky and precise, with fine tannins and a mineral-driven finish that lingers for minutes. While showing beautifully today, this wine has decades of life ahead and will continue to evolve in complexity and elegance.
Provenance and Storage
This case was acquired on release by a single private collector and has been professionally stored in optimal temperature-controlled conditions. The bottles are in pristine condition, and the original wooden case remains intact.
A Wine Worthy of the Rarest Cellars
Whether you’re building a serious Burgundy collection, seeking out the hidden gems of Vosne-Romanée, or simply looking to secure a wine of authenticity and distinction, the 2016 Hudelot-Noëllat Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru belongs in the conversation. It is a bottle that reflects the soul of Burgundy - one vintage, one vineyard, one expression at a time.