Chateau Latour - Pauillac 1er Grand Cru classe 2004

Wine Region:Bordeaux - France

Grape: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Cabernet franc, 1% Petit verdot.

Tasting notes:"There are tannins, structure and power, but also supreme elegance. The 2004 acidity comes through in the sweet cassis flavors, supported at the back by dry tannins. Currently, the wine is closed up, losing some of its fresh fruit, but this is a moment in its slow evolution towards a classic Latour." Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Expert Rating:

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95/100.

Wine Enthusiast, 97/100.

About the winery: The Pauillac is made primarily from young vines, growing on the less prestigious terroirs in the vineyard, and from wines that do not meet the selection criteria for Forts de Latour (specific to each vintage). About 20% new barrels are used in the vinification of the Pauillac, the precise proportion varying depending on the characteristics of the vintage.

The 2004 vintage saw the return of a very classic wine with a powerful, fresh, lively style, and a solid, precise structure. Very concentrated fruit is supported by an imposing structure, and already showing great purity and a rare level of energy. The finish is long and very silky, supported by very well-integrated tannins.

Created in around 1680, Château Latour is one of the oldest vineyards in the Médoc. There is a central plot known as the Enclos with 47 hectares of old vines that are maintained with extreme care, as these are the ones used to make the grand vin. Another 18 hectares of external plots, consisting of vines less than ten years-old and potentially declassified plots are used to produce the property's second wine, Les Forts de Latour.

More about Chateau Latour here...