2011 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, La Tache Grand Cru

The La Tache 2011, picked on 5 and 6 September at 27.49hl/ha, has a wonderful bouquet that is quintessential La Tache: very complete and harmonious, beautifully delineated, succinct at first then with aeration, blossoming with brambly red berries, apple blossom, minerals and a touch of sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with immense purity and delicacy on the entry. This La Tache is extremely focused, velvety smooth in the mouth and although not as complex as the 2010, it has a beguiling femininity that will seduce at ten paces. It is extremely long in the mouth but politely does not outstay its welcome. Divine. 1,514 cases produced. Drink 2017-2040.

Mid ruby. Complex, intriguing nose with lots of edginess. Quite a bit of tannin in evidence. Hint of violets but still very much work in progress. There's a very slightly vegetal note at present. I would sit on this for quite a while. (JR)