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Pauillac Bordeaux "Some said that Latour could never top its modern classic, the 1990, but director Frederic Engerer and his team at this famous first-growth have equaled it with the 2000. It's a young, wine that electrifies every tastebud in your mouth. Compact aromas of crushed currants and minerals, with roses and lilacs, it is full-bodied with masses of silky, refined tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Best after 2012." - Rated 100, Wine Spectator "The 2000 Latour is one of the vintage's most compelling efforts. Yields from the old vines from which most of this cuvee is produced were 37 hectoliters per hectare. Forty-eight percent of the crop was utilized in the grand vin. It is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. A prodigious effort, it appears to be the star of the Medoc first-growths. Despite its thick, viscous appeal, the total acid is 3.7 grams per liter, quite high considering that most great vintages of Latour possess 3.2-3.3. This wine possesses sweet tannin, amazing presence and concentration, extraordinary purity, and phenomenally ripe, pristine, unctuous, but not heavy notes of black fruits. It is a model of power, symmetry, and grace, with a finish that lasts for over 45 seconds. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2050." Rated 98+, Robert Parker VINEYARD COMPOSITION/VARIETAL PROFILE: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot Average vine age is 37 years. In order to retain the advantage of older vines, the renewal of the vines is not done in lots, but periodically throughout the vineyard. Each vine that is replaced is identified by a yellow plastic ring, making them easily identifiable so they can be harvested before the main harvest in order to avoid any confusion. This isolation of the young vines continues for 8 years. The 124 acres produce around 20,000 cases. HISTORY At the end of the 14th century, the Mullet family reassembled the lands of this domaine. The tower, which overlooks the vineyards and the Gironde, was used by the English to fend off attacks by pirates. In 1695 Alexandre de Ségur, proprietor of Calon and Lafite, married Marie-Thérèse de Clausel who brought in her dowry the domaine of Latour. The descendants of their only son, the Marquis de Ségur, founded the first Société Civile Agricole, thus avoiding the dangers of the division of the vineyard. In 1963, two English groups purchased 76% of the shares from the shareholders and heirs of the Marquis, but in 1994 French Businessman François Pinault purchased the estate. The second label of Château Latour is Les Forts de Latour. VINIFICATION Fermented in stainless steel vats which are automatically temperature controlled. Aged in new barrels for 20-26 months, and clarified with 6 egg whites per barrel. No filtration takes place. STYLE One of Bordeaux's most concentrated rich and full-bodied wines. Latour is dark ruby in color and has a unique bouquet of fresh walnuts, leather, and black currants. More information at www.chateau-latour.fr |
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