Latour

1998 Latour Latour

  • Classification:
    1st Growth
  • Color:
    Red
  • Appellation:
    Pauillac
  • Volume:
    0.75L
  • Grape Type:
    Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
  • Packaging:
    Loose
€554
Wine Critics Notes:

Vinous - Score: 92 (2018 May)

The 1998 Latour was in fact the first vintage I ever tasted en primeur at the château. It was an early vintage after budburst on 20 March and the picking began on 20 September until 5 October, the Grand Vin a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot (compared to around 9% these days), 4% Cabernet Franc 1% Petit Verdot. It has an open-knit bouquet with notes of black fruit, iron, undergrowth and autumn leaves. You cannot help noticing its rusticity compared to present-day Latour. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced, a tang of soy marking the entry, brambly red berry fruit and an almost Graves-like, tertiary, slightly short finish. It is a mid-weight Latour, one that I cannot envisage improving further but it will cruise at this level for the next decade. Tasted at the château.