DRC Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache 2005

VM100: 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?

WS99: A dark side emerges with La Tâche, revealing profound scents of violet, black currant, bilberry and licorice. Definitely meaty and solid—as the French would say, carrée (square)—yet with great depth, richness and length, along with sweet fruit. A fabulous La Tâche, like a well-tuned Ferrari, this is a red Burgundy of classic proportions.—Non-blind 2005 DRC tasting (February 2008).