DRC La Tache 2005 1.5L OWC

2005 Domaine Romanee Conti -Burghound, Tasted January 1, 2008: There is only one word to do the nose true justice and that is kaleidoscopic as the aromatic breadth here is simply dazzling with red and black cherry, cassis, plum and subtle earth notes replete with the same Asian spice cabinet aromas as the RSV displays but here the floral aspect, particularly rose petal, is much more pronounced. However, the '05 LT is almost a combination of the RSV's class, grace and sensuality and the Riche's power, taut muscularity and huge length as the overall palate impact is equivalent to a vinous bomb exploding on the cuts-like-a-knife finish that can be measured in minutes not seconds. This is structured to the point of being chewy yet it is never rustic or coarse because the gorgeously detailed palate is buffered by buckets of dry extract. As readers know, I often use the word Zen to describe the kind of inner harmony of a great vintage of Romane-Conti but rarely with La Tache yet in 2005, the LT has this element of inner calm and grace as well. In sum, this is a huge but utterly classy and stylish wine that will undoubtedly go down as one of the all time great LT's.