Lot 388
CHÂTEAU LATOUR 2002 (1) WA 96
CHÂTEAU LATOUR 2004 (1) WS 95 WA 95
CHÂTEAU LATOUR 2006 (1) WA 95
Lot 388 Details
CHÂTEAU LATOUR 2002 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn. marked label.
The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Drink: 2012-2045 April 2005 WA 96
CHÂTEAU LATOUR 2004 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn. scraped & marked label.
The 2004 Latour is perhaps evolving slower than I expected, although it remains one of the finest Left Bank wines of the vintage. It has that quintessential graphite-scented bouquet intermixed with blackberry and cedar, although the liquorice note that I observed previously has receded. Again, there is wonderful definition. The palate is full-bodied but surprisingly more sultry than I expected, especially here where I was able to directly compare it with the other 2004 First Growths. It delivers the "authority" you expect from Latour, although I might be inclined just to give it another 2-3 years in bottle. Tasted September 2016. Drink: 2020-2045 WS 95 WA 95
CHÂTEAU LATOUR 2006 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn. marked label.
The 2006 Latour is composed of 91.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it charges out of the gate with impressively energetic crème de cassis, cured meats, wood smoke and black forest cake notions plus hints of licorice, sandalwood and iron ore, not to mention a fragrant waft of dried roses that emerges with coaxing. Medium to full-bodied, suitably rich, expressive and accented by sparks of exotic spices, it has a frame of now velvety tannins contributing just a bit of chew to the long, perfumed finish. Drinking beautifully now, it should cellar gracefully over the next 20+ years. March 2018 WA 95