In Bond Fine Wine. 1996 Château Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 99/100 (RP). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Latour needs little introduction. This First Growth is home to one of the world's finest and most famous terroirs. Chateau Latour famously withdrew from the en Primeur system in 2012 in favour of releasing wines onto the market only when deemed ready by the Chateau. One of the world's great vineyards, the team under Frederic Engerer have upheld the highest standards of quality for two decades.
Robert Parker (RP) — 99/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/06/2000 · Drink 2015-2050
A spectacular Latour, the 1996 may be the modern day clone of the 1966, only riper. This vintage, which is so variable in Pomerol, St.-Emilion, and Graves, was fabulous for the late-harvested Cabernet Sauvignon of the northern Medoc because of splendid weather in late September and early October. An opaque purple color is followed by phenomenally sweet, pure aromas of cassis infused with subtle m…
Robert Parker (RP) — 99/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/04/1999 · Drink 2012 - 2040
Fifty-six percent of the 1996 production made it into the grand vin, a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. It is a massive, backward wine that comes close to being a monster. The wine reveals an opaque ruby/purple color, as well as reticent but emerging aromas of roasted nuts, blackberry fruit, tobacco, and coffee, with hints of pain grille in the…
Neal Martin (NM) — 95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 28/10/2016 · Drink 2016 - 2031
The 1996 Latour was the first to be made in the new vat room that was completed in the nick of time before the fruit came in. Fr'd'ric Engerer told me that they had no "Plan B" if it had not been ready! He also told me that the 1996 underwent little sorting and no green harvest. It was picked around 22-23 September. Now at 20 years of age, it has quite a complex bouquet that is approaching full m…