Château Latour is an iconic estate in the Pauillac commune on the left bank of Bordeaux, achieving coveted ‘First Growth’ status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
The estate has roots dating back to the 14th century and derives its name ‘La Tour’ from a fortress tower built during the Hundred Years’ War, which no longer exists but is prominently featured on the label in recognition of its history.
We weren’t sure what to expect, as many have predicted these 1983s are likely past their prime, but this wine was a masterpiece. 🤩
It was medium garnet in color with expressive notes of cedar box, cigar, clove, peat, leather, forest floor, fig, prune, dried black cherry, plum, cassis, blackberry compote, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, dried violet, potpourri, kalamata olive, pencil shavings, graphite, & bacon fat.
It had the most velvety, fine-grained tannins that washed across the palate with ease, with a gentle but notable acidity that maintained lift and balance. It was concentrated, complex, and had a long, elegant finish. — 5 days ago
Dark and brooding. Tangy plum fruit, roses, blood and dried herbs, iodine. Very intense and serious. Blackcurrant and black pepper with plum and black cherry. Long and quality. — 7 days ago
Merlot dominant in a left bank. Rare but definitely an experience. Plush wine with good tannins and a great evolving flavor. Black currants, touches of plums, graphite and a wine that evolves throughout the experience. An age worthy wine. — a month ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish/ brick rim.
Fruity nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate and complex.
Showing black currants, black plums, cherries, spices, dark chocolates, earth, tobacco leaf, herbs and light forest floor.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.
This is a fabulous 18 year old Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from Saint Julien. Rich and balanced. Elegant and fruit forward. Chocolaty and spicy.
This First wine from the 4th Growth is drinking beautifully now, and not showing that much age. Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years.
I had the 2005 vintage not too long ago and this 2007 vintage is drinking better now. Well balanced and complex.
Good by itself as a sipping wine, and will pair nicely with a big piece of steak too.
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc.
13% alcohol by volume.
93 points
$130. — 4 days ago
This was actually the first wine we had at the Bordeaux first growth lunch last Saturday (which wasn’t a First Growth). No notes taken but it did show the quality of the 1982 vintage particularly from Paulliac, and was still going strong. — 8 days ago
It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.
Deep inky in color with a short purple rim.
Beautiful nose of blueberries, black currants, cooked cherries, light oak, vegetables, licorice, earth, chocolates, Indian spices and peppercorn.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with plums, currants, light oak, spices, chocolates, licorice, coffee, light tobacco leaf, herbs, peppercorn, earth and black tea.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.
This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux. Showing a nice mouthfeel. Fresh, complex and rich.
This second growth wine is still young, but already enjoyable, even by itself.
Drinking beautifully now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 15 to 20 years. Would be nice to revisit it in 7 years. Has good potential to become a 94+ point wine.
Well balanced, and good by itself as a sipping wine. A good food wine too.
A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot. Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.
12.5% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$215. — 8 days ago
Bob McDonald
The final wine at the First Growth Bordeaux Lunch at the Downs Club last Saturday…. and what a great way to finish a wonderful lineup. I recall Apricot and Pear on a palate of profound intensity which delivers on the powerful nose. An obviously sweet palate with enough racy acid to keep things interesting and fresh. Will last until the late 2030s at least. Terrific! — 8 days ago