Quite deeply colored with the classic La Tache nose of dried rose petals plus a fantastic array of aromas and spices too numerous to even try to describe that lead to fine, detailed and beautifully textured flavors and terrific length. This is not a La Tache for the ages as it simply doesn't have the structure and density to enable it to age for two decades or more but it is remarkably complex and has sneaky finishing intensity. I like this a lot for its superb style, grace and penetrating minerality but those who expect the usual level of power and structure won't find it in the 2000. This is actually approachable now though it should age for at least two decades simply on the incredible balance that it displays. Tasted multiple times with consistent notes.

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($320) Good full medium red. Pure aromas of cassis, violet and minerals. Rich, sweet, suave and penetrating, with lovely mineral character and integrated acidity contributing to an impression of precision. Very primary, long and subtle on the back end. This makes the Romanee-Conti seem almost earthy by comparison. (While this bottle was a beauty, my first was plagued by a dusty note on the nose and a nagging dryness through the middle and finish, perhaps due to a slightly affected cork. The 2000 La Tache was bottled barrel by barrel.)

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Wonderful Tâche nose of mushrooms and liquorice. Lively but still quite unevolved on the nose. Very very sweet and rich and broad. Lovely purity. Great grainy tannin surge on the palate after the initial impact. Notable acidity at this stage. Great delicacy. Quite tight now with a dry finish and in fact in the glass it closed up rather than opened out. Obviously a long way to go.

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Tasted blind in Bordeaux (of all places!) At first I was heading for Barolo when invited to guess the identity. Strong earthy scents develop with just a few swirls of the glass, an iron element, something almost Victorian! Very good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and very good structure. Those tertiary notes are very strong, almost belying the fact that this is a Burgundy. Slightly grainy in texture, this is a La Tache brimming with energy. With touches of cold black tea/Earl Grey towards the finish, this is a cerebral wine.

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