Grand Vin of Château Latour

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2002

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.

Wine Spectator

93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/28/2002

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.

Wine Advocate

93-95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2001

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!

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2000

Because of extremely hot weather in late August and early September, Latour began harvesting its Merlot on September 14, bringing in grapes with 13.5-14% potential alcohol. Produced from yields of 39 hectoliters per hectare, the final blend was 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. 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.

Wine Spectator

91-94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2000

One of the wines of the vintage. Wonderful mineral, berry, currant, violet and toasted oak. Full-bodied, with superfine, silky tannins. Very fine indeed. Wonderful texture; goes on and on.