2003 DRC Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche Grand Cru
SKU #1021516
99
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2003 La Tache reveals aromas of milk chocolate, violets, roses, and dark cherries. Suave, displaying massive amplitude and a full-bodied, velvety-textured character, this behemoth’s flavor profile brings to mind chocolate-covered black cherries. Immensely powerful and noble, it offers an interminable finish that is packed with flawlessly ripe, sweet tannin. Projected maturity: 2013-2030.
(8/ 2005)
95
points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
Like the 2005, this really has not changed significantly though at 8 years of age, one can begin to see a subtle amount of aromatic development but I stress that it's subtle and overall, this remains quite primary aromatically speaking. The usual La Tâche aromatic fireworks are present as the highly perfumed, seductive, spicy and pungent floral notes make for an utterly brilliant nose. The broad-shouldered flavors remain somewhat understated and while there is superb concentration, the unexpected sense of reserve I noted in my original review is still here as there is even a certain coolness that is extremely rare for the 2003 vintage. Perhaps equally unexpected is that the '03 La Tâche is essentially a wine that marries finesse and purity with power because even though it is dense, it remains balanced and never heavy. To be sure, the effects of the vintage are noticeable as the finish is very ripe with notes of plum, mocha and coffee. Again, though this is only 8 years of age, nothing has changed to modify my view that this should be capable of lasting 50 years, indeed I have extended my initial drinking window somewhat. As with the 2005, this should ultimately be a great La Tâche though it's going to require plenty of patience until it gets there.
(1/ 2012)
95
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright red-ruby. Wonderfully complex nose melds raspberry, rose petal, truffley underbrush and exotic spices. Then almost shockingly fresh in the mouth, with penetrating and rather delicate flavors of red berries and flowers. Still quite tightly wound but already offers compelling inner-mouth perfume. Finishes with building tannins and outstanding verve.
(4/ 2006)