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Latour 2017, Les Forts de Latour 2018 & Back Vintages
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Château Latour is a historic and renowned winery in Bordeaux, France. With a rich viticultural heritage, the estate spans 78 hectares of gravelly soils, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The winery combines tradition and innovation in its winemaking process, resulting in wines of exceptional depth and longevity. Known for their powerful yet refined character, Château Latour wines exhibit dense fruit flavors, firm tannins, and remarkable balance. With their unwavering commitment to excellence, Château Latour remains a benchmark for Bordeaux wines.
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The 2017 vintage at Château Latour experienced a cold and dry winter followed by mild weather in March, leading to bud break around the normal time. April saw significant temperature variations and limited rainfall, promoting steady vine development. However, two nights of spring frost in late April affected a portion of the vineyard. May brought concentrated rainfall over a short period, followed by early-summer heat, resulting in a swift and even flowering. The dry and moderately hot summer, with cool mornings, allowed for uniform grape ripening. September's rainfall increased grape size before a successful harvest under favorable conditions.
The 2017 vintage is a blend comprising 92.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.8% Merlot, and 0.1% Petit Verdot.
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Latour - Pauillac 2017
Red | 750ML | JS 99, WA 98, VN 97
$24,540/ OWC6
(Equivalent to $4,090 / bottle)
*ETA Mid Oct 2024
TASTING NOTE
Château Latour 2017 has a magnificent aromatic spectrum of black cherry and blackcurrant combined with fresher notes of chalk, tobacco and olive. Precise, structured tannins on a dense, deep palate make this a powerful wine with energy and balance that convey refinement and freshness.
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| BACK VINTAGES |
FORMAT |
NOW |
RATING |
| Latour - Pauillac 2005 |
750ML |
$6,900 |
JR 19 |
| Latour - Pauillac 2010 |
750ML |
$9,700 |
JS 100, WA 100 |
| Latour - Pauillac 2011 |
750ML |
$4,390 |
WA 93-95 |
| Latour - Pauillac 2012 |
750ML |
$3,950 |
WA 96+ |
| Latour - Pauillac 2014 |
750ML |
$3,980 |
WA 97+ |
| Latour - Pauillac 2015 |
750ML |
$4,950 |
WA 96 |
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In 2018, Château Latour completed its conversion to organic viticulture. This challenging vintage was characterized by record-breaking winter rainfall of 330 mm from December to January. Spring remained unusually wet and cool, leading to a delayed budburst on April 10th for the Cabernet Sauvignon. May was unstable and marked by heavy rain, storms, and even hailstorms. However, warmer days allowed for good growth and a successful fruit set. The summer was exceptionally hot and dry, causing heat and water stress in August.
Fortunately, late August storms brought much-needed rain, reviving the vines and initiating the ripening process. September was dry and beautiful, with only a few early showers.
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Les Forts de Latour - Pauillac 2018
Red | 750ML | JS 94-95, WA 94+, VN 93-95
$10,500/ OWC6
(Equivalent to $1,750 / bottle)
*ETA Mid Oct 2024
TASTING NOTE
Heady aromas of dark fruits, violet petals and pencil lead bestrewed with sweet spices and liquorice. This is an exhilarating wine, powerfully structured with present but fine-grained tannins, concentrated flavours and an acidity bringing a full and elegant finish to the mouth.
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| BACK VINTAGES |
FORMAT |
NOW |
RATING |
| Les Forts de Latour - Pauillac 2015 |
750ML |
$1,680 |
WA 94+ |
| Les Forts de Latour - Pauillac 2017 |
750ML |
$1,490 |
WA 93 |
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Pauillac de Latour - Pauillac 2018
Red | 750ML | JS 94
$530/ bottle
TASTING NOTE
This is already very complex with tobacco, blackberries and hints of cedar. It’s medium-bodied with firm and layered tannins. Juicy and so delicious. It can age, too.
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WA = Robert Parker, Wine Advocate | JS = James Suckling | VN = Vinous | JR = Jancis Robinson
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