The La Tache 2010 was picked between 26th and 27th September at a measly 21hl/ha. Comparing it directly against the Romanee-Conti, the first impression is that the latter clearly has great clarity and delineation. You can tell that this is going to be a rich, generous nose and of all the crus in 2010, this bears the most semblance to the 2009. Scents of wild strawberry, raspberry coulis, peach skin and candied around peel abound. Monitoring this La Tache over ten to fifteen minutes, at unveils greater clarity in the glass with hints of smoke and sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky smooth texture. It is immensely pure and refined with a caressing texture, a little more plush than the Romanee St. Vivant. It is a deceptive wine: straightforward in the first half but revealing much more terroir expression and mineralite in the second. Total production is 1,870 cases. Tasted January 2013.

The 2009 La Tache presents a rich tapestry of nearly indescribable elegance. The aromas and flavors seem to hover on the palate in this intensely sweet, perfumed La Tache. Bright floral notes, hard candy and mint ring out on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2030-2060. I tasted the 2010s twice from barrel, once in the summer just as the wines were about to be racked and then again during my early December visit. On both occasions the wines were stellar. Like virtually all of his colleagues, co-manager Aubert de Villaine was surprised by the level of the 2010s given all of the challenges of the growing season. I could repeat everything de Villaine told me, but there is no better source than the man himself, so readers who want to learn more about the 2010 harvest may want to take a look at my interview with de Villaine on www.erobertparker.com. Overall, I am very impressed with the 2010s with the exception of the Corton, which appears to be a notch or two below the 2009. The 2010 that most greatly exceeds its appellation and historical level of quality is the Echezeaux. I also tasted the 2010 Vosne-Romanee Cuvee Duvault-Blochet but the domaine had not yet decided if the wine would be released. I will report on the 2009s in our April issue. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661