Latour
About Château Latour
Latour has, in many ways, always been the most forward-thinking and disruptive First Growth, ever since its original rise to prominence under the Ségur family in the 18th century. Its decision not to participate in En Primeur had a rippling effect throughout the fine wine world, and whilst it has not precipitated a broader move away from the system by other estates, the vast majority of Bordelais properties have certainly reduced the amount of their wine offered in this way choosing to hold back stock to be released upon maturity. A sign of Latour's influence upon the entire region.
The Vineyard and the Wine
There is an ancient Médoc saying - to make great wine, you must be able to see the water. No other First Growth is closer to the Gironde's estuary than this imposing estate, contributing to simply extraordinary terroir which means that Latour has an enviable (and uncanny) ability to produce outstanding wine in difficult years. In favourable years, the vineyard soaks up extra heat reflected from the water's surface. In unpleasant years, the property is protected from extremes by the moderating effect of the estuary's regulatory benefits.
This dream terroir allows the winemaking team to focus on a variety of aspects of viticulture safe in the knowledge that nature will see them through the worst - and focus they have! Ever the pioneers, Latour was one of the first châteaux to introduce cutting-edge processes such as satellite imaging of distinct plots, sensors assessing vine vigour and even wind-direction monitoring before the application of fully biodynamic treatments.
Château Latour has a distinctly high proportion of clay in the soil throughout its vineyard. Whilst unusual for Pauillac, it is, in fact, the very same clay upon which the vines of Château Pétrus are planted in Pomerol. Obviously found in far smaller quantities and dominated by glorious Left Bank gravel, the result of this composition is a wine of unfathomable texture, richness, concentration and spine-tingling freshness - for which Latour garnered the epithet "an iron fist in a velvet glove".
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Wine Advocate (93)
The best Pauillac I ever tasted (and this wine has been a revelation ever since they first introduced it), the 2010 from Latour represents 24% of their production. It is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44.5% Merlot and .5% Cabernet Franc. An amazingly opulent, round, delicious wine, and a great buy when they finally release it – assuming it comes in under a three-digit price – it possesses wonderfully silky tannins, classic black currant, cedar wood and forest floor notes, and rich, full-bodied opulence as well as a terrific purity and palate presence. It should drink well for 10-15+ years.Inc. TAX€687.18 -
Wine Spectator (96)
This has a gorgeous core of steeped plum, boysenberry and black currant coulis flavors, backed by a prominent graphite note that drives through the lengthy finish, where extra hints of anise and sweet tobacco flitter in the background. Regal. Best from 2018 through 2035. 5,835 cases made. -JMInc. TAX€605.58 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)
The 2014 Pauillac de Château Latour is a refined and polished wine that expresses the gracious, mid-weight style of the year nicely. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, earthiness and wild cherries add aromatic dimension. The 2014 is just starting to enter the early plateau of its optimal drinking window. I would prefer to drink it over the next 7-10 years. In 2014, the Pauillac is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot.Inc. TAX€1,179.97 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2015 Le Pauillac de Chateau Latour is a blend of 54.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41.7% Merlot and 4.1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out of the glass at a fantastic clip, delivering wonderfully fragrant notes of baked blackberries, blueberry compote and redcurrant jelly with hints of licorice, red roses and cigar box. Medium-bodied, generously fruited, open-knit and tantalizingly drinkable right now, the palate is chock-full of expressive red and black fruits, featuring approachable, ripe, soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with compelling purity. Very impressive showing!Inc. TAX€1,304.77 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2016 Pauillac de Château Latour is just as delicious as it was from barrel. Pliant, silky and open-knit, the Pauillac is absolutely striking. Bright floral notes lift the red and purplish berry fruit in a mid-weight, classy wine endowed with tremendous polish. There is so much to like and admire in this beautifully perfumed, nuanced wine from Latour. In 2016, the Pauillac is a wine of total precision and class.Inc. TAX€595.98 -
Wine Advocate (90-92)
.Inc. TAX€639.34
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Wine Advocate (93)
The best Pauillac I ever tasted (and this wine has been a revelation ever since they first introduced it), the 2010 from Latour represents 24% of their production. It is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44.5% Merlot and .5% Cabernet Franc. An amazingly opulent, round, delicious wine, and a great buy when they finally release it – assuming it comes in under a three-digit price – it possesses wonderfully silky tannins, classic black currant, cedar wood and forest floor notes, and rich, full-bodied opulence as well as a terrific purity and palate presence. It should drink well for 10-15+ years.In Bond€554.00 -
Wine Spectator (96)
This has a gorgeous core of steeped plum, boysenberry and black currant coulis flavors, backed by a prominent graphite note that drives through the lengthy finish, where extra hints of anise and sweet tobacco flitter in the background. Regal. Best from 2018 through 2035. 5,835 cases made. -JMIn Bond€486.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)
The 2014 Pauillac de Château Latour is a refined and polished wine that expresses the gracious, mid-weight style of the year nicely. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, earthiness and wild cherries add aromatic dimension. The 2014 is just starting to enter the early plateau of its optimal drinking window. I would prefer to drink it over the next 7-10 years. In 2014, the Pauillac is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot.In Bond€946.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2015 Le Pauillac de Chateau Latour is a blend of 54.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41.7% Merlot and 4.1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out of the glass at a fantastic clip, delivering wonderfully fragrant notes of baked blackberries, blueberry compote and redcurrant jelly with hints of licorice, red roses and cigar box. Medium-bodied, generously fruited, open-knit and tantalizingly drinkable right now, the palate is chock-full of expressive red and black fruits, featuring approachable, ripe, soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with compelling purity. Very impressive showing!In Bond€1,050.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2016 Pauillac de Château Latour is just as delicious as it was from barrel. Pliant, silky and open-knit, the Pauillac is absolutely striking. Bright floral notes lift the red and purplish berry fruit in a mid-weight, classy wine endowed with tremendous polish. There is so much to like and admire in this beautifully perfumed, nuanced wine from Latour. In 2016, the Pauillac is a wine of total precision and class.In Bond€478.00 -
Wine Advocate (90-92)
.In Bond€514.00