2005 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits, France
There is Romanée-Conti, and then there is everything else. Universally hailed as the absolute greatest Domaine on planet Earth, the historic estate has long created and continues to produce the finest Pinot Noir, as well as the most sought-after bottles for any and all collectors. Both age-worthy and able to be consumed within the first 5 years of release (or don't touch them for fifteen, warns Aubert de Villaine), DRC, its affectionate moniker, is THE centerpiece of any collection.
100 Points - Vinous
“The 2005 La Tâche is simply magnificent. There is not too much I can add. Deep, powerful and richly textured, the 2005 simply has it all. Time in the glass releases the aromatics, but it is the wine’s pure sensuality I find most enticing. A host of dark red and blue stone fruits, hard candy and wild flowers take center stage. Even with all of its intensity, the 2005 retains striking freshness and purity. Can it get better than this? (AG)” Review Date: 05/2016
99 Points - Burghound
“A kaleidoscopic and utterly dazzling nose features an array of red and black cherry, cassis, plum and subtle earth notes replete with beguiling Asian spice cabinet aromas and essence of rose petal. The intense, powerful and breathtakingly concentrated flavors possess a taut muscularity before culminating in a palate coating finish of simply huge length. Not surprisingly, this is still structured to the point of being chewy yet it is never rustic or coarse because the gorgeously detailed palate impression is buffered by buckets of dry extract. As readers know, I often use the word Zen to describe the kind of inner harmony of a great vintage of Romanée-Conti but rarely with La Tâche yet in 2005, the LT has this element of inner calm and grace as well. In sum, I remain confident that this huge but utterly classy and stylish wine will go down as one of the all-time great LT's provided that you have the patience to wait as it is going to be a very long distance runner. (AM)” Review Date: 04/2023
99 Points - Wine Spectator
“A dark side emerges with La Tâche, revealing profound scents of violet, black currant, bilberry and licorice. Definitely meaty and solid--as the French would say, carrée (square)--yet with great depth, richness and length, along with sweet fruit. A fabulous La Tâche, like a well-tuned Ferrari, this is a red Burgundy of classic proportions. (BS)” Review Date: 08/2012
There is Romanée-Conti, and then there is everything else. Universally hailed as the absolute greatest Domaine on planet Earth, the historic estate has long created and continues to produce the finest Pinot Noir, as well as the most sought-after bottles for any and all collectors. Both age-worthy and able to be consumed within the first 5 years of release (or don't touch them for fifteen, warns Aubert de Villaine), DRC, its affectionate moniker, is THE centerpiece of any collection.
100 Points - Vinous
“The 2005 La Tâche is simply magnificent. There is not too much I can add. Deep, powerful and richly textured, the 2005 simply has it all. Time in the glass releases the aromatics, but it is the wine’s pure sensuality I find most enticing. A host of dark red and blue stone fruits, hard candy and wild flowers take center stage. Even with all of its intensity, the 2005 retains striking freshness and purity. Can it get better than this? (AG)” Review Date: 05/2016
99 Points - Burghound
“A kaleidoscopic and utterly dazzling nose features an array of red and black cherry, cassis, plum and subtle earth notes replete with beguiling Asian spice cabinet aromas and essence of rose petal. The intense, powerful and breathtakingly concentrated flavors possess a taut muscularity before culminating in a palate coating finish of simply huge length. Not surprisingly, this is still structured to the point of being chewy yet it is never rustic or coarse because the gorgeously detailed palate impression is buffered by buckets of dry extract. As readers know, I often use the word Zen to describe the kind of inner harmony of a great vintage of Romanée-Conti but rarely with La Tâche yet in 2005, the LT has this element of inner calm and grace as well. In sum, I remain confident that this huge but utterly classy and stylish wine will go down as one of the all-time great LT's provided that you have the patience to wait as it is going to be a very long distance runner. (AM)” Review Date: 04/2023
99 Points - Wine Spectator
“A dark side emerges with La Tâche, revealing profound scents of violet, black currant, bilberry and licorice. Definitely meaty and solid--as the French would say, carrée (square)--yet with great depth, richness and length, along with sweet fruit. A fabulous La Tâche, like a well-tuned Ferrari, this is a red Burgundy of classic proportions. (BS)” Review Date: 08/2012
There is Romanée-Conti, and then there is everything else. Universally hailed as the absolute greatest Domaine on planet Earth, the historic estate has long created and continues to produce the finest Pinot Noir, as well as the most sought-after bottles for any and all collectors. Both age-worthy and able to be consumed within the first 5 years of release (or don't touch them for fifteen, warns Aubert de Villaine), DRC, its affectionate moniker, is THE centerpiece of any collection.
100 Points - Vinous
“The 2005 La Tâche is simply magnificent. There is not too much I can add. Deep, powerful and richly textured, the 2005 simply has it all. Time in the glass releases the aromatics, but it is the wine’s pure sensuality I find most enticing. A host of dark red and blue stone fruits, hard candy and wild flowers take center stage. Even with all of its intensity, the 2005 retains striking freshness and purity. Can it get better than this? (AG)” Review Date: 05/2016
99 Points - Burghound
“A kaleidoscopic and utterly dazzling nose features an array of red and black cherry, cassis, plum and subtle earth notes replete with beguiling Asian spice cabinet aromas and essence of rose petal. The intense, powerful and breathtakingly concentrated flavors possess a taut muscularity before culminating in a palate coating finish of simply huge length. Not surprisingly, this is still structured to the point of being chewy yet it is never rustic or coarse because the gorgeously detailed palate impression is buffered by buckets of dry extract. As readers know, I often use the word Zen to describe the kind of inner harmony of a great vintage of Romanée-Conti but rarely with La Tâche yet in 2005, the LT has this element of inner calm and grace as well. In sum, I remain confident that this huge but utterly classy and stylish wine will go down as one of the all-time great LT's provided that you have the patience to wait as it is going to be a very long distance runner. (AM)” Review Date: 04/2023
99 Points - Wine Spectator
“A dark side emerges with La Tâche, revealing profound scents of violet, black currant, bilberry and licorice. Definitely meaty and solid--as the French would say, carrée (square)--yet with great depth, richness and length, along with sweet fruit. A fabulous La Tâche, like a well-tuned Ferrari, this is a red Burgundy of classic proportions. (BS)” Review Date: 08/2012