Stylistically, this borrows elements from both the '97 and the '96 as it combines moderate floral notes with most of the spice, soy and hoisin of the '96 plus the densest flavors of any vintage to this point. The mid-palate doesn't have quite the same sap of the '96 and the long, dusty finish offers a hint of chocolate. This too has the potential to be very long lived. Multiple notes with consistent results; in fact, a recent bottle tasted in Burgundy was even better than the bottle in the big La Tache tasting held in early '03.

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Excellent deep red. Higher-pitched, liqueur-like aromas of raspberry, cassis and licorice; subtle and complex. Lush, voluptuous and stuffed with dark fruit flavor. Finishes with dusty, substantial tannins that build in the glass. This wine fabulous fruit is easy to see today, but it, too, wants to shut down.

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This wine is mind-boggling and has gathered even more body, power, and density than it displayed from barrel.

It is intensely profound, and super-ripe yet harmonious. Its extraordinarily long finish (it tails off with a sweet kirsch kiss) flabbergasted me. I could not help but think of the finishes of two wines I love - Chateau Rayas and Chateau Lafleur. It appears to be holding an enormous amount in reserve, and may ultimately merit higher ratings. It should be held at least ten years, and will easily last through 2020 given proper cellar conditions. Bravo!

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A sensational La Tache that's as good as I remember upon release. Shows a suppleness in the tannins without compromising the compact mineral, wet earth and ironlike flavors that express this grand cru's terroir. Balanced, with lots of beautiful fruit, but above all it has pleasure and harmony etched all over it.--La Tache vertical.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio