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Noncontractual photograph
Vintage | Wine 1980 |
Classification | Burgundy - Grand Cru |
Region | Burgundy |
Appellation | La Tache |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Country | France |
Bio | Yes |
Biodynamie | Yes |
Château | Domaine Romanée Conti |
Country | France |
Acquired by the Prince de Conti in 1760, the 1.85 ha vineyard produces little more than 6,000 bottles of mythical and exceptional wine per yearl. After the French Revolution, the area was declared a national asset, Romanée Conti counted many owners, including family-Duvault Blochet, who acquired several other parcels, including La Tâche, Richebourg and Echézeaux. Today, every bottle of Romanée Conti is signed by both Aubert de Villaine and Henry-Frederic Roch. Romanee Conti was the last vineyard in Burgundy to resist phylloxera, but during the second world war, the lack of carbon disulphide led to its destruction in 1945. For five years, from 1946 to 1951, no vintage was produced. The conditions of vinification and aging (maximum maturity of the fruit, very high selectivity, maximum precautions at every stage, breeding new wood) can produce an exceptional wine. Thus, magnificent complex aromas evoking rose, violet, spices, truffles and leather are in this sumptuous wine. All Domain Romanee Conti is implemented to produce only wines to keep. Biodynamics has taken over the last ten years a different share under the new leadership of Henry Frédéric-Roch, one of two co-managers of Domaine Romanee Conti with Aubert de Villaine. The owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, one of the most famous vineyards in the world, has been elected Decanter Man of The Year 2010 by the eponymous magazine. Aubert de Villaine is the largest producer of wines from Burgundy to receive this award since its inception. Modest, it seems that he also refused at first to be rewarded, before changing his mind to finally accept. Co-owner of the domain family of Romanée-Conti with the Leroy family, Aubert de Villaine long hesitated before walking in the footsteps of his father. After studying law and literature, he flew to New York and began his career as an importerof wines from Burgundy. Fascinated by wine, he also devoted himself to journalism and has interviewed, among others, Robert Mondavi 1966. During this period his father called him to his side. He started as an apprentice to the field. Since then, he has consistently put his dedication, passion and service requirement of Romanée-Conti, which continues to produce the greatest red wines in the world. .
Saint Emilion
Pomerol
Saint Emilion
POMMERY Cuvée Louise Magnum 1980
Champagne
Margaux
CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 1980
Pauillac
Saint Emilion
(04-2015) Tasted at the La Tâche vertical at The Square. Not having tasted the La Tâche 1980 for 14 years, I must admit that I had high expectations for this wine–and it truly delivered. Ignore the pale color, the extensive bricking on the rim because you will be transfixed by the nose. It is absolutely ethereal with quite brilliant transparency, fleeting glimpses of wild heather, jasmine, rose petals and Lapsong Souchang. The palate is fresh and tense, gently building in the mouth with all the delicacy you can imagine. No, there is not the length here but it is far fresher than the 1985 La Tâche with a sense of nervosité on the finish. Of all the vintages of La Tâche this is one of the most impressive and also the most difficult to put into words. It is simply a heavenly Pinot Noir at its peak.
A La Tâche of great clarity, the 1980 possesses a delicate, complex bouquet of cherry, currant, smoke and mineral, and later a touch of mint. Very elegant and vibrant, this shows fine length, intensity and delicacy.