1996 La Tâche, Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Burgundy

Fantastically pure with the classic spice box, hoisin and soy nose followed by big, rich, structured flavours that display earth, leather and tea notes. The tannins are big, ripe and entirely buffered by the sap, with a phenomenal length. This remains primary in character and has not budged since it was bottled. A genuinely great vintage for La Tâche that is softer in the mouth than the '96 Grands Ech, and this should improve for another decade and last for 50 years—very classy juice. Note: while it's happened only twice in my experience, the '96 can be intensely vegetal on the nose and not exhibit the purity that the wine is justifiably famous for; however, I have tasted so many outstanding bottles of the '96 LT that I view these two examples as outliers.Drink from 2016 onwardallen_meadows, burghound_com.com (January 2012)

Surprisingly, looks more mature than the Échézeaux at the rim and is even a bit paler. A heady bouquet of violets and game (nothing is perfect, but the bouquet is really very interesting, says Aubert with dramatic understatement) – the start of real complexity and absolutely gorgeous on the palate. So opulent and rich and layered and throat-warming. Jewel bright fruit, though the tannins are definitely still present. Very long and layered. Really dances on the palate! Still a little tight.Drink 2011 - 2030jancis_robinson_mw MW, JancisRobinson.com (March 2008)

This blockbuster wine possesses a profound nose. It exhibits awesomely ripe red and black fruits, raw meat, and Asian spices, all of which are encased in sweet toasty oak. This full-bodied, wide, thick, focused, harmonious, and intense wine releases amazingly powerful layers of candied black cherries and blackberries. It is structured, totally precise, pure, and possesses an exceptionally long finish loaded with abundant sweet tannins. It will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.Pierre Rovani - 31/08/1998