Château Latour, Le Pauillac de Latour, Bordeaux, France, 2021

Overview of the Wine
At the beginning of the eighteenth century, Chateau Latour started to be highly recognized around the world, thanks to the reconquest of the British market and the development of the wine business in Northern Europe. The aristocracy and other wealthy groups of consumers became very enthusiastic about a few great estates, of which Latour was one. And that was how Thomas Jefferson, ambassador of the United States in France, and future President, discovered this wine in 1787. At that time, a cask of Chateau Latour was already worth twenty times as much as one of ordinary Bordeaux wine.

The reputation of Chateau Latour was consolidated during the 19th century. It was confirmed in 1855, when the government of Napoléon III decided to classify the growths of the Médoc and the Graves for the International Exhibition in Paris: Chateau Latour was classified as a First Growth. The existing chateau was built during this "Golden Age", between 1862 and 1864. 

Winemaker
Francois Pinault

Grape / Blend
60.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 11.1% Petit Verdot

Origin
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This generous, fruity wine is an excellent introduction to the family of wines produced by Château Latour. It can be enjoyed after four to five years of ageing, and will continue to improve for several more years.

93 Points - Vinous
This is the best showing yet for Latour’s 2021 Pauillac. Intensely perfumed, the 2021 has gained weight and body since I last tasted it. Crushed flowers, black pepper, leather and dried herbs are just starting to open in the bouquet. Dark and rather virile, the Pauillac is super expressive today. The elevated presence of Cabernet Sauvignon comes through loud and clear. Brisk acids and beams of supporting tannin are also quite prominent, largely because the 2021 doesn’t have the mid-palate richness of more opulent years.

93 Points - James Suckling
This red has a medium-to light-bodied palate with a lovely center of pretty ripe fruit and finely textured tannins that run the length of the wine. Light chocolate and hazelnut on the finish. Drink or hold.

91 Points - Falstaff
Dark ruby garnet colour with purple reflections, delicate brightening on the rim. Delicately smoky black forest berries, a hint of tobacco, nuances of orange zest, subtle wood savouriness. Medium complexity, red cherries, integrated, round tannins, fresh and mineral, some graphite, already easy to drink, delicate leafy notes on the finish. 

Product size: 750ml