DRC La Tache 1999 (750ML)

99 BH

Everything that I saw from cask made it into bottle intact and words remain inadequate to describe just how good this wine is as the '99 is a classic La Tâche in every respect with its incredibly pure, marvelously intense oriental spice box nose that merges seamlessly into big, rich and enveloping flavors of hoisin and pure pinot extract of indescribable complexity and length. The big tannins are completely wrapped in velvet and the finish simply does not quit. This is destined to become one of the all-time great vintages of La Tâche and even at 98 points, it's clear that I was too conservative and thus I am raising my score accordingly. Moreover, among the many bottles that I have been blessed to have tried, I have never had a bottle that was anything less than sensational. However, note that the '99 LT is going to be a long-distance runner so a strategy of cellar and forget is strongly advised, at least for the next decade or so. Multiple, and consistent, notes.