Dark-colored the aromatically tight 1997 La Tache reveals Asian spices pepper cherries and black currants. This is a velvety-textured expansive and massively ripe wine boasting flavors reminiscent of licorice and blackberry jam. It has superb depth of fruit (particularly for this sometimes "simple" vintage) medium-to-full body and admirable length to its supple finish. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2012.

Very floral and nicely spicy with elegant relatively fine flavors that display solid intensity though less body and sappiness than the '98. There is very good supporting acidity which tends to highlight the lighter but nicely focused medium weight flavors. A very good rather than great La Tâche.

Light red with brick rim. An herbal vegetal aroma initially this is a supple gentle La Tâche with more underbrush than fruit flavors fine tannins and moderate acidity. It opens up with air showing more floral and fruit tones and a richer texture.--La Tâche non-blind vertical. Best from 2007 through 2025. 1270 cases made. -BS