Domaine de la Romanee Conti   La Tache

2008 La Tache

By Domaine de la Romanee-Conti

2008 La Tâche from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Burgundy, France

In the pantheon of Burgundian excellence, the 2008 La Tâche from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti presents itself as a vintage simultaneously defined by its grace and the climatic adversities it overcame. This particular year, marked by its cool summer and tumultuous beginnings, paradoxically birthed vintages of exceptional longevity and aromatic complexity—a testament to the mettle of Vosne-Romanée's terroir and the mastery of its stewards.

 

Capturing Essence: The 2008 Vintage Odyssey

At first glance, 2008 in Burgundy presented winemakers with challenges aplenty; the coolness of the season intensified the necessity for astute precision in viticulture. And yet, herein lies the magic that brought forth the singular elegance of this La Tâche vintage. The producers weaved their alchemy between the vines, ensuring that each grape reached optimal ripeness despite a late harvest—an endeavour that undoubtedly equipped this vintage with its distinctive structural concentration.

 

From Adversity Emerges Elegance

On approach, the 2008 La Tâche intrigues with a bouquet where enchanting floral notes mingle with exuberant red fruits—a dance of raspberries and cherries—with delicate hints of aromatic spices that betray its depth. On the palate, investors are greeted with a wine that is strikingly vibrant; its remarkable acidity and tannin structure promise an envious ageing potential. Savouring this vintage reveals layers of complexity—dark fruits harmonised with earthy undertones—that endow each sip with a whispered tale of resilience.

The exquisite combination of tenacity in viticulture and masterful winemaking has rendered this 2008 La Tâche a vintage with notable investment credentials. Should one seek out gems within Burgundy's vast treasure trove, wines like this articulate why La Tâche remains at the zenith of desirability. The endurance imparted by such a challenging growing season positions it as an ideal component for the portfolio seeking both rarity and potential increment in value—the very embodiment of vinous triumph over a season's capricious whims.

Current market price

£65,100.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

3829.41

Scores and tasting notes

97

The 2008 La Tache is another huge, powerful wine. Deep layers of perfumed fruit flow from this gorgeous wine. Mint, crushed flowers, orange peel and spices are just some of the notes that emerge from the wonderfully textured fruit. Darker hints of earthiness, tar and minerals frame the sweeping, eternal finish. This is simply dazzling. Anticipated maturity: 2028-2048. tasted the 2008s in bottle in late June 2011 after having gone through the 2010s from barrel. Aubert de Villaine describes 2008 as a difficult vintage with a lot of rain. Botrytis was an issue and the vineyards required constant attention. On September 14 the weather changed dramatically. A steady north wind dried out the grapes and concentrated sugars quickly, which also reduced the size of the berries. A further selection of fruit lowered yields to an even greater extent, resulting in overall production that is as much as 50% lower than normal for the Domaine. As for the wines, they are magnificent in my view, but will require considerable patience. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 29 September 2011

Vintage performance