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.
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.
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
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.
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.
