2005 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, La Tache Grand Cru 1x150cl

Vinous 100

The 2005 La Tâche is simply magnificent. There is not too much I can add. Deep, powerful and richly textured, the 2005 simply has it all. Time in the glass releases the aromatics, but it is the wine’s pure sensuality I find most enticing. A host of dark red and blue stone fruits, hard candy and wild flowers take center stage. Even with all of its intensity, the 2005 retains striking freshness and purity. Can it get better than this? [Antonio Galloni, 05/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2055

JancisRobinson.com 19.0

This was already drinking absolutely beautifully, even though presumably it will gain layers and even greater complexity. But what a stunning amount of pleasure it is giving even at this early stage! My verbatim notes: Gorgeous, complete, wonderful pure cherry juice flavours even though it will presumably close down. Already dense and layered but with beautiful freshness. ‘Parp. Parp,’ it seems to be saying, so eager is it to broadcast its charms. [17/09/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030

Robert Parker 98-99

The 2005 La Tache epitomizes the unique mysteries of Pinot (not to mention the character of a great site), with its aromas of game, musk, iris, star anise, vanilla, allspice, and naturally also an abundance of sweet, ripe, implosively tiny-berried fruit. Imagine a black Riesling. On the palate, a vivid freshness of fruit, pungency of spice and flowers, and melting away of what in point of analytical fact are abundant tannins, all engender an almost white wine dynamic of fruit-mineral call-and-response and clear, incisive penetration of flavors to every recess of the mouth. This is a T.R. sort of wine – you just don’t feel the stick. [01/04/2007]