Latour 2006

6% press wine. This vintage can be compared with 1986 yet in 2006 105mm rain fell in September, whereas 1986 was a perfect summer - which just shows how much work in the vineyard has evolved, and how much work is involved. The harvest took 250 people five muddy weeks, and the labour costs were 60% higher than in 2005. Picked at 4.5 g/l TA (acidity levels in the Cabernet were unusually high) but a lot was lost during fermentation (partly because there was quite a high proportion of malic acid in the grapes and this was softened by the malo, and partly because of the amount of tartaric acid that settled out). This is quite different from the old Latour yet the current team have managed to get it to evolve rather than change. Very dark crimson right out to rim. Dense with some wild herbs on the nose. Very wild and smooth and racy. Rather musical in the sense that there seem to be many different themes here. Not a hint of rusticity. Delicacy actually with masses of very very fine tannins. Great finesse as well as intensity. But very embryonic even though this is the final assemblage. Very very dry - very bright fruit. Strong herbs yet polish too. Very slightly raw and angular yet lifted lively.

Score: 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-2035 01 April 2007

The 2006 Latour performed even better from bottle than from barrel. Only 38% of the production (10,000 cases) made it into the grand vin, a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. From barrel, I thought it was a modern day version of the 1996 or 1986, and certainly the 1996 comparison still holds. I thought it was somewhat austere from barrel, but that is no longer an issue. This is a beautifully rich Chateau Latour boasting a dense ruby/purple color, a sweet, smoky, charcoal, cassis, graphite, and forest floor-scented nose, full body, an attractive freshness, and sweet, noble tannins. This layered Latour is one of the vintage-s top dozen or so wines.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2030 01 March 2009

Tasted at the château. A very deep purple hue. The nose is extremely well focused with blackberry, cedar and wonderfully defined vanillary new oak. Very intense and harmonious. The full-bodied palate has a beautiful texture and exquisite balance: controlled and restrained, but with wonderful purity. Much finer, more filigree tannins than in recent vintages, much more feminine. I am parsimonious with my score simply because compared to others it is lacking some depth and persistency on the finish. Still a marvellous wine, yet surpassed by others in 2006. It will be fascinating to see how this progresses in bottle. Tasted April 2007.

Score: 93 - 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 19 April 2007

As in 2004 and 2005, Latour is strongly Cabernet again with 86% and 13% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This year, the Grand Vin represents just 38% of the crop due to draconian selection (with sorting not only bunch by bunch but berry by berry). There is actually less Grand Vin available in 2006 than there was in 2003! Acidity (malic) in the Cabernets was particularly high with Merlot contributing very rich sugar levels and tannins that are 10% higher than in 2005 all resulting in formidable structure here. Director Frederic Engerer compares it to the 2004 and the 1996, but with more fruit, body and concentration. Thick and unctuous crimson with a stunningly fragrant nose of rich cassis, cedar and violets and lots of interest. Thick and layered with tightly-packed blackcurrant, blueberry, liquorice and iron minerality. Massive but fine tannins with incredible length, this is clearly a twenty year plus wine. A Latour of immense power and finesse.

Score: 94 - 96

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2007