Readers looking for a modern day version of Latour's magnificent 1962 or 1971 should check out the sensational 1999 Latour. It is a big, concentrated offering, exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, and a classic nose of minerals, black currants, leather, and vanilla. The wine is long, ripe, and medium-bodied, with high levels of sweet tannin. This surprisingly full, concentrated 1999 should be drinkable in 5-6 years; it will last for three decades.
The 1999 Latour doesn't quite dominate the competition the way the 1994 does, but it, too, is a lovely wine, exhibiting notes of blackcurrants, cigar wrapper, rich soil tones and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, with velvety tannins, ripe acids and a long, expansive finish, it is showing beautifully today. 2015 - 2039
Superb breeding on the nose, pure blackberry, cedar, tobacco and a touch of hot gravel. The palate is full-bodied with very fine but assertive tannins, very good depth (similar to Mouton) but with the finesse of Lafite. There is a vibrant sense of mineralite here, a sense of transparency, relatively high-toned and showy (like the 2004 tasted just days before) that lends it more approachability. Very impressive persistency on the finish. Excellent. Drink 2012-2030.
big yet racy 99. Shows blackberry aromas, with a hint of spice, and is full bodied, with a solid core of fruit, firm tannins and a dark chocolate and coffee aftertaste. Wonderful texture. Goes on and on. Best after 2006.
Medicinal and sinewy on the nose. Exciting and vibrant. Deep-flavoured. Long but the tannins are still very evident (though in this case there seems to be enough fruit to stand up to them). Ambitious - needs quite a bit of time yet. Drink 2012-2028. Date tasted 25th June 09.
Very good colour. The bouquet was quite dry with some warmth. On the palate, the acid was very good, with a lovely fruity, sweet and warm taste. 17pts. Lindsay Hamilton 16 Nov 01.
A terrific effort, this sexy, open-knit, opulent effort possesses plenty of tannin, but it is largely concealed by the wine's wealth of fruit, high extraction level, and noticeable glycerin as well as unctuosity. Dense ruby/purple-colored, with a sweet, evolved nose of black fruits (cassis, leather, and blackberries), cedar, spice box, and liquid minerals, this powerful yet seamless Latour will be surprisingly accessible at an unusually young age. Long and full-bodied, with the acidity, tannin, alcohol, and wood all beautifully integrated, it will be at its finest between 2007-2030. A classic!
The opulent, rich, concentrated 1999 is atypically forward and luscious. The dense purple color is followed by precocious, sweet black cherry/cassis aromas backed up by noteworthy liquid mineral and subtle smoky new oak notes. Dense and fat, with low acidity, an opulent, chewy texture, medium to full body, superb power, and a seductive character, it will be drinkable at an unusually early age, but, given its stuffing, will last for two decades or more.
Frédéric Engerer controversially removed wine-maker Christian le Sommer from his post last summer as well as his Maitre de Chai. This passionate young man has now taken charge of the winemaking process himself and clearly has something to prove. The gamble has paid off. As the result of a serious green harvest, yields were reduced to 38hl/ha instead of the normal 55. Closer control of all aspects of the wine-making process have resulted in a big, black colour and hugely powerful wine. There is lots of depth and concentration here but ripeness too with warmth and sweetness balancing the raw power. A cross between the elegance of Lafite and the power of Mouton, this all comes together admirably. A soft-tannin version of the 1996. Wine of the Vintage?
Very good colour. The bouquet was quite dry with some warmth. On the palate, the acid was very good, with a lovely fruity, sweet and warm taste. 17pts. Lindsay Hamilton 16 Nov 01.
Frédéric Engerer controversially removed wine-maker Christian le Sommer from his post last summer as well as his Maitre de Chai. This passionate young man has now taken charge of the winemaking process himself and clearly has something to prove. The gamble has paid off. As the result of a serious green harvest, yields were reduced to 38hl/ha instead of the normal 55. Closer control of all aspects of the wine-making process have resulted in a big, black colour and hugely powerful wine. There is lots of depth and concentration here but ripeness too with warmth and sweetness balancing the raw power. A cross between the elegance of Lafite and the power of Mouton, this all comes together admirably. A soft-tannin version of the 1996. Wine of the Vintage?
