1990 La Tache
By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
1990 La Tâche from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Burgundy, France
Embarking upon a sojourn to explore the grandeur of the 1990 vintage in Burgundy, the 1990 La Tâche from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti reveals itself as an exquisite embodiment of viticultural mastery. This crown jewel within the domain's pantheon showcases not only the epitome of Pinot Noir prowess but also underlines an outstanding year that stands out for its early approachability and longevity.
A Vintage Shaped by Celestial Collaboration
The 1990 vintage, lauded for its sumptuous generosity across Burgundy, blessed La Tâche with near-perfection conditions—combining warmth, optimised sunlight and an untroubled annuity of consistent weather patterns. These climatic gifts encouraged impeccable phenolic ripeness and a balance seldom witnessed in other noteworthy years. As such, the resulting nectar harbours a rare harmony of concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity and tannic structure – promising significant maturation potential for fine wine investors.
The Quintessence of Terroir and Timelessness
In the glass, the 1990 La Tâche expresses a multifaceted aromatic pantheon: a tapestry of ripe cherries, blackcurrant, and violets, interwoven with ethereal undertones of truffles, damp earth, and enchanting spices. The palate converses with a seamless integration of fruit and earth-given flavours modulating into a serenade on the tongue that resonates with a nuanced complexity unique to this remarkable estate.
This is a testament to the winemaking philosophy of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti that converges biodynamic practices and minimal intervention to capture the essence of each vineyard’s terroir with unerring precision.
Truly investable, this vintage not only presents an epicurean delight but emerges as a linchpin in any discerning investor's portfolio. Those privileged to cellar this wine find themselves guardians of an oenological narrative that will continue unfolding for decades to come.
A Gem Amidst Giants: Among various imperial vintages, rarity coupled with prestigious provenance renders the 1990 La Tâche a wise acquisition for connoisseurs seeking pieces with historical significance. This profound expression is interlaced with both immediate gratification and the promise of evolution – a duality that establishes it as one of Bourgogne’s brightest stars from an illustrious epoch in winemaking history.
Market price (GBP)
£87,570.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
5838
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at the La Tâche vertical at The Square. The La Tâche 1990 sports a deep garnet core with brick rim. The palate is obviously from a relatively warm Burgundy vintage and delivers a surfeit of ripe, juicy and powerful red fruit infused with black truffle, leather and mint, with time a touch of rose petals. It gains more and more delineation with time, though never quite achieves the clinical precision of the 1991. The palate is full-bodied and for La Tâche, quite sinewy with layers of intense, rounded, svelte red berry fruit with just a touch of piquancy. It has an enormous structure and undeniable presence, yet this bottle could not hold a torch to either the 1991 or the 1999 La Tâche. Aubert de Villaine himself commented that he prefers the 1991 La Tâche to the 1990 and I concur. This is a great La Tâche but now with 25-years on the clock, one wonders whether it is past its peak?
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015