Latour 2001

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On horizontal. The nose is a little taciturn at the beginning but it opens up beautifully to reveal crushed strawberry, redcurrant, boysenberry and dried orange peel. Great definition and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins on the entry, more masculine than the nose suggests, but it has delightful earthy accents with wonderful tension and vitality on the finish that has not even started to show what it can do. Superb...this may merit an even higher appraisal. Tasted March 2011.

Score: 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 May 2011

A brilliant offering, which should be drinkable much earlier than the blockbuster 2000, the 2001 Latour boasts an inky/ruby/purple color to the rim as well as a glorious bouquet of black currants, crushed stones, vanilla, and hints of truffles and oak. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance primarily Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it reveals a sweetness on the palate that is atypical for such a young Latour. The beautiful integration of tannin, acidity, and wood is stunning. The wine flows across the palate with fabulous texture, purity, and presence. This luscious, full-bodied Latour was surprisingly open-knit on the three occasions I tasted it from bottle. However, do not mistake its aging ability as this 2001, despite its precociousness, will last 20-25 years.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2007-2025 30 June 2004

Extremely attractive aromas of blackberries and currants with just a hint of mineral and oak. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. As it was from barrel; powerful and fast. Serious stuff. Best after 2010.

Score: 95

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2010+ 31 March 2004