1990 La Tache

1 Aug 2014: On the back of a very disappointing experience of a seriously out-of-condition magnum bottle of this wine, we decided to try a bottle of this, from the same US importer, Wilson Daniels, to see if the magnum was a singular aberration from the reputed quality of this wine.

1990 La Tâche: Deep garnet robe. An intensive bouquet of red fruit and floral notes greeted the nose, with aromas of raspberry, blueberry, violet and dried rose petals......overlaying some earthy, mushroom and spicy nuances. With extended aeration, the tertiary character kind of gave way to the dominance of an intense pinot perfume of raspberry. The tannins initially still showed a firm quality, together with the concentration and depth of flavours, lending a robust and powerful structure to the wine. The tannins slowly evolved in the glass and delighted the palate with such fleshy and velvety texture, and the flavours clinging onto the tastebuds. There was a very impressive freshness about this wine. Here the incredible balance and understated finesse transcended the apparent richness and opulence. The finish went on for a very long time.

A totally sublime expression! I think this could do with a couple more years of cellaring and watch out for further stunning transformation.......drink from 2016+. 19.5+/20