1969 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
The 1969 La Tâche Grand Cru is not the best bottle that I have tasted although, frankly, it is not dissimilar to the previous example in 2015. Deep in colour, it has an almost brackish nose with dried blood, a subtle Bovril note. I find less elegance here than the last bottle. The palate is rustic and rough hewn, a little tough for a La Tâche, perhaps a wine that is now past its peak. It is certainly no match for the superior 1971 Richebourg tasted alongside. Tasted at the Romanée-Conti dinner at the Connaught Hotel.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted at the La Tâche vertical at The Square. The La Tâche 1969 provided a fitting end for what was a great run of vintage throughout the decade. Now at 45 years old it unashamedly sports a mature, brickish hue. The nose does not quite contain the untrameled exuberance of the 1964 or 1966, but there is a sense of elegance and refinement in situ. The palate is well balanced, slightly rustic in style with chewier tannins than other vintages. There is clearly good backbone here with spice, tangy marmalade and white pepper on the finish that is just missing a little precision. I suspect this was superior 10 to 15 years ago and is now in gentle decline. However, unlike others this is still worth seeking out.
The 1969 La Tâche was better in the bouquet than it was on the palate, where the overall impression was one of leanness.
Light tawny ruby. Light mushroom nose grew in the glass. Very light nose. A bit severe on the palate. Not flattering. A bit stolid. Not nearly as rich as one might expect. (JR)
About the producer
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti or simply “DRC” is without doubt the most famous domaine in Burgundy and one of the most famous producers on earth. The Grand Cru vineyard from which it takes its name produces the world’s most expensive wine by a long margin.