("it's quite possible that the '96 will be the longest lived of any La Tache produced in many years" - AdV). Fantastically pure with the classic spice box, hoisin and soy nose followed by big, rich, very structured flavors that display notes of earth, leather and tea. The tannins are big, ripe and are completely buffered by the sap with length that is simply phenomenal. This remains completely primary in character and seems not to have budged at all since it was bottled. A genuinely great vintage for La Tache that is softer in the mouth than the '96 Grands Ech and this should improve for another decade and last for 50 years. Very classy juice. Note: while it's happened only twice, the '96 can be intensely vegetal on the nose and not exhibit the purity that the wine is justifiably famous for; however, I have tasted so many outstanding bottles of the '96 LT that I view these two examples as outliers.

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Brilliant ruby-red. Ineffable liqueur-like perfume combines blackberry, black raspberry, cassis, truffle and tar. Fat, sweet and dense but quite closed in the mouth; not yet showing La Tache's typical licorice component. But a complete wine with superb structure and a very, very long and subtle aftertaste that builds slowly and saturates the olfactories.

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Surprisingly, looks more mature than the Échézeaux, at the rim and is even a bit paler. Heady bouquet of violets and game ("nothing is perfect but the bouquet is really very interesting", says Aubert with dramatic understatement) – the start of real complexity and absolutely gorgeous on the palate. So opulent and rich and layered and throat warming. Jewel bright fruit, though the tannins are definitely still present. Very long and layered. Really dances on the palate! Still a little tight.

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This blockbuster wine possesses a profound nose. It exhibits awesomely ripe red and black fruits, raw meat, and Asian spices, all of which are encased in sweet toasty oak. This full-bodied, wide, thick, focused, harmonious, and intense wine releases amazingly powerful layers of candied black cherries and blackberries. It is structured, totally precise, pure, and possesses an exceptionally long finish loaded with abundant sweet tannins. It will require patience.

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Deep color. Very pure fruit confit aromas of cassis and blackberry. A rich La Tache, with a combination of ripeness and high acidity. It's up front in its appeal today, with a great nose and tight finish.--La Tache non-blind vertical.

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Very disappointing on this night, needed much more time.