La Tâche 1990 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 

CUVÉE PRESENTATION

Following the example of numerous Burgundy domains, La Tâche was originally a monastic domain. It was then owned by two different families, one of which was the Joly de Bévy who was dispossessed during the Revolution. Owned by Basire, then Liger-Belair, the La Tâche vineyards were added to the Domaine de La Romanée Conti in 1933. Well-looked after vines, strictly controlled yields and as late as possible harvest produce an aromatic and opulent wine. Deeply coloured, La Tâche develops a palette of extraordinary aromas of dark fruits, truffle and spices. Rich and concentrated, its bouquet releases infinite tones that melt on the palate to form a lovely fine ensemble. Always exceptional, even in difficult vintages. Hence in 1950 and 1951, it was the only wine on the domain that was bottled.

INFORMATION ABOUT DOMAIN LA ROMANÉE-CONTI

The name Romanée-Conti is enough to make all wine lovers worldwide tremble in awe. In 1760, Prince Louis-Francois de Bourbon-Conti bought a piece of land in Vosne-Romanée, planted by the predecessors of Saint-Vivant, before dying in 1776. It was confiscated during the Revolution and sold to the highest bidder in 1794. Then the 1.8 hectare plot was renamed Romanée-Conti and its name was given to the most prestigious domaines of Burgundy. In 1879, Jacques-Marie Duvault Blochet bought this property and it is Henry-Frédéric Roch, Lalou Bize-Leroy and its director, Aubert de Villaine who own it today. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) has 25 hectares of vines in Vosne, mainly in the grand crus of the commune: La Tâche, Romanée-Saint-Vivant, Richebourg, Echezeaux, Grands-Echézeaux and of course La Romanée-Conti. In the Côte de Beaune, the domaine has recently acquired three farms in Corton, in addition to its legendary Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet vines (small, non-marketed production). Although La Romanée-Conti is at the heart of the domaine, the domaine's other grand crus are irreproachable due to the work carried out both in the vineyard (biodynamic) and in the winery (where whole grape harvests are vinified). The yields are extremely low and some wines such as Montrachet are not dated yearly as the quantities are too low (this was the case in 1992 and 2016). Its price clearly confirms its greatness.

Tasting notes

A deep color and a wonderfully rich, mysterious, smoky black fruit nose. Cassis, vanilla pod and blackberries bouquet. Utterly voluptuous. A giant wine of extreme splendor and total intensity. 

100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark I cannot think of a more profound, young red Burgundy tasted than DRC's 1990 La Tache. Although it still requires another 3-4 years of cellaring, it is incredibly endowed, with an extraordinary perfume of Asian spices as well as black raspberries, cherries, and blackberries infused with smoke, toast, and dried herbs. Full-bodied, but ethereal, with layers of flavor, as well as mind-boggling delicacy and complexity, this youthful La Tache will be at its finest between 2004-2015. 

99 points Allen Meadows - Burghound

Outer quote mark A stunning, massive, full-on and completely classic La Tâche nose that displays almost unbelievable complexity so with many different elements that it is impossible to even begin to describe them all; the primary components include ethereal and still fresh pinot fruit, clove, knock out spiciness, anise, hoisin, soy and a trace of earth but these elements only hint at the sheer depth. The flavors are big, rich, refined, classy, penetrating and superbly powerful yet everything is in perfect balance and there is more than sufficient sève to balance off the still considerable tannins. The finish is intense, pure and so long that it is haunting; I could literally still taste this wine days later after I had it because it had such a dramatic and emotional impact. In its youth, this was one of the finest young Burgundies that I have ever been privileged to try and it only seems to get better with each passing year. For my taste, this is getting close to arriving at its peak but it's not quite there though again, I stress that this is to my taste and some may find it to already be in its sweet spot of maturation. In short, this is absolutely brilliant. Note that while I have had relatively consistent notes, I have had two bottles that were a bit astringent on the finish and not in the class of what I describe above. 

97 points Wine Spectator

Outer quote mark Brilliant aromas of sweet cherry, strawberry and spice herald ripe sweet fruit on the palate. It's concentrated and beginning to show some maturity as truffle and forest underbrush notes emerged over time. There's terrific balance between all the elements, followed by an excellent finish.--La Tâche non-blind vertical. Best from 2010 through 2030.