Domaine de la Romanée Conti, La Tache Grand Cru 1989

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Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

PRODUCTION: 1,711 cases. The 1989 exhibits a healthy dark ruby color, followed by a smoky, oak-dominated nose with obvious ripe black fruit that is currently taking a back seat to the wine's wood and structure. Medium to full-bodied, with excellent to outstanding concentration, as well as more noticeable acidity than was evident from barrel, and a tendency to narrow out on the palate, this is a highly promising La Tache that appears to be better than the monolithic, perplexingly simple 1988. Give it 1-2 more years of cellaring and drink it over the following 10-12.

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Reviewed by: Neal Martin

I have never been a fan of the domaine's 1989s, and the 1989 La Tâche Grand Cru is no exception. Now showing some bricking on the rim, it has a rather herbaceous and earthy nose, a little muddled compared to superior vintages such as 1991. There is a subtle ferrous note, later a slight vegetal scent. The palate is rustic with furry tannin, moderate acidity and weight but clearly missing the finesse and the sophistication that you normally find on a La Tâche. It sort of "stumbles" over the finish line. It's not a bad Burgundy for the vintage, but it is not a great La Tâche. Tasted June 2017.