Neal Martin 94

The 2007 La Tache Grand Cru is a vintage that I have not tasted since bottling. Now 11 years old, it shows extremely well in the context of the growing season. Almost delicate red fruit springs from the glass, wild strawberry and morello cherries mingling with undergrowth and tree-bark-like scents, becoming more floral with aeration and yet never powerful. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, almost lace-like tannins more redolent of Romanee-Conti. This displays wonderful precision and is lean in style for a La Tache, but the sense of energy and athleticism is completely endearing. Tasted in November 2018 at the Roumier Musigny dinner at Epure in Hong Kong. [Neal Martin, 01/08/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2035

Stephen Tanzer 96

Good medium red. Explosive aromas of red berries, Oriental spices, pepper and truffley underbrush. The wild but utterly silky palate offers extraordinary sweetness and perfume, but with a savory, firm edge giving it shape and grip. Not at all a blockbuster, but impeccably balanced wine. The finish features utterly noble tannins and outstanding rising length. This actually shows less obvious sweetness today than the Romanee-Conti and thus comes across as every bit as tight as that wine. [Stephen Tanzer, 03/01/2010]

Wine Advocate 96

The 2008 La Tache amply illustrates why this monopole is the darling among most of those lucky enough to regularly taste or collect the wines of the Domaine de La Romanee-Conti. Hints of mocha, vanilla, maraschino, and almond paste lend a confectionary note to generously rich cassis and raspberry, while Latakia tobacco, peat, clove, black pepper, star anise, and cumin contribute commune-typical Vosne-Romanee personality in spades. The high-toned, sweet themes continue inner mouth, with intimation of heliotrope, rowan, and lily perfume, while the wine’s smoky, spicy elements seem to descend into a low-register undertone of roasted red meats and forest floor. As this opens to the air, a subtly sweet-saline suggestion of lobster shell reduction adds richness and succulence. Strikingly creamy in feel, this La Tache nevertheless possessed a fresh berry edge that helps convey vibrancy to a finish that practically glows in your mouth, offering another of those Burgundian paradoxes of light and dark. Here, de Villaine’s case for long-term potential is easily made, and I expect this will richly reward at least 15-20 years of attention. [David Schildknecht, 01/06/2010]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030