It was an interesting fact, but no surprise, when in November of 2008 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, one of Burgundy's most respected estates, announced a lease agreement with Domaine Prince Florent de Merode for 2.3 hectares (6 acres) of vineyards on the hill of Corton: 3 acres in Corton Bressandes, 1.4 acres in Corton Clos du Roi and 1.26 acres in Corton Les Renardes.

 Our ABC team visited the Domaine Prince Florent de Merode in 2005 and met with the winemaker, Didier Dubois; we were very impressed with the recently renovated winery and their old-vines vineyards in the heart of the Grand Cru of Corton.

 Didier Dubois will be making the first wines under the new DRC label and under DRC supervision as of the 2009 vintage with an estimated release date of 2012.

 This is an exciting new venture for both domains but the real good news for our ABC Fine Wine and Spirits customers who appreciate Pinot Noir or red Burgundy wines is that we have a small quantity of the 2004 Corton Clos du Roi from Domaine Prince Florent de Merode, an extraordinary wine in a classic vintage, to drink or hold over the next ten years. This wine is a "steal" at less than half its European price and a fraction of the future prices of these wines under the DRC label. Don't miss this opportunity! Happy wine-tasting!

Atanas Nechkov, Wine Supervisor Central Florida