In the glass
Aroma: violet, blackberry, game, exotic spice
Palate: black cherry, liquorice, truffle, graphite
DRC's other monopole: darker and more muscular than Romanee-Conti, with violet, black fruit and a spiced, savoury core.
What it pairs with
-
Roast venison with cassis jus
Game meat and a blackcurrant reduction echo a grand-cru Pinot's wild fruit and firm tannin. -
Boeuf bourguignon
Slow-braised beef in Pinot reduction matches the wine's structure and savoury depth. -
Roast grouse
Strongly flavoured game meat meets the wine's wild-spice depth and firm frame.
How to serve La Tache Grand Cru
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast venison with cassis jus, Boeuf bourguignon, Roast grouse. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
La Tache became a full DRC monopole in 1933 after the domaine consolidated the climat with the adjoining Les Gaudichots parcels.
- 1933 — Climat consolidated as a DRC monopole
- 1936 — La Tache and Romanee-Conti recognised as grand crus under the new AOC laws
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
- Grapes
- Pinot Noir (100%)
- Classification
- Grand Cru (Vosne-Romanee, AOC)
- Oak
- Around 18 months in 100% new French oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 6000 to 12000 at retail
- Drinking window
- 12-40 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1933
Scores
- Vinous 97 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
- Burghound 96 (2017 vintage, reviewed 2020)
Frequently asked about La Tache Grand Cru
What does La Tache Grand Cru taste like?
On the nose, violet, blackberry, game, exotic spice. On the palate, black cherry, liquorice, truffle, graphite. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. DRC's other monopole: darker and more muscular than Romanee-Conti, with violet, black fruit and a spiced, savoury core.
When should I drink La Tache Grand Cru?
Drink 12-40 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with La Tache Grand Cru?
Roast venison with cassis jus is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Boeuf bourguignon and Roast grouse. Game meat and a blackcurrant reduction echo a grand-cru Pinot's wild fruit and firm tannin.
What grapes are in La Tache Grand Cru?
The blend is Pinot Noir (100%). The wine is classified as Grand Cru (Vosne-Romanee, AOC).