2007 - La Tache Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

The 2007 La Tâche 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 Romanée-Conti. This displays wonderful precision and is lean in style for a La Tâche, but the sense of energy and athleticism is completely endearing. Tasted in November 2018 at the Roumier Musigny dinner at Épure in Hong Kong.

The 2007 La Tâche Grand Cru is fully mature, offering up aromas of red berries, potpourri and spices mingled with hints of forest floor and new oak. Medium-bodied, with lively acids, melted tannins and an open, comparatively evolved core, my sense is that it's at its best today and over the next handful of years.

More marked spice on the nose but in a darker mode than the Échezeaux. A cedary note, too, a touch of coffee, revealing delicate red-fruit aromas underneath. Firm but so gentle grip, like the hand that leads rather than the hand that pushes. As with the Échezeaux, something slightly exotic. The finish is clenched but still very long. Very fresh aftertaste. Elegant and trailing. (JH)