1989 La Tâche: Richard chose this for the long weekend. Initially, it was rather ungenerous, with just tertiary character of leather, mushroom and sous-bois, overlaid with a hint of volatility. The structure concurred it was a wine of pedigree and finesse, but the palate seemed a little tired, lacking in concentration and depth and finishing dry. We were relieved that after about 2 hours, it started displaying signs of life and vibrancy. The fruit notes returned, together with dried rose and cardamom character, and the mid palate also filled out nicely, leading to an elegant finish. It seemed a wine in its prime, at the plateau of its drinking and would continue to drink well for 8 - 10+ years. 17/20 (Richard gave it 92.)
