1981 La Tache (Banded Case)

The 1981 La Tâche Grand Cru is a vintage I have not met before, and this fine example was poured en magnum. It has an endearing bouquet with wonderful delineation: mineral-rich red fruit, iris flower, and just a scintilla of dark chocolate coming through with time. The palate is finely balanced with the weight and depth you expect from this Grand Cru. Secondary notes abound with sous-bois and white pepper, though it does lack some brightness and complexity on the finish by dint of the challenging growing season rather than anything else. Bottles will probably be fully mature based on this.