A sublime wine, unbelievably youthful and vibrant still and one that holds attention from the first sip. Beautiful aromatic complexity on the nose; floral notes, patchouli, sandalwood, cotton candy, salted caramel and cherries. Feels like a thoroughbred that hasn't yet hit its stride. A beautifully lifted expression with mouthwatering acidity, tobacco and smoke, dark plum and berry fruit underpinned by beautiful yet tight tannins – articulated and nuanced, confident and powerful. This is structured and evocative with persistence and poise: should easily go strong for another 10-20 years. Winemaker at the time Jean-Noël Malbec. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. (GH) - DC
DC100May 2023
The 1982 Latour is the most consistent of the First Growths in this auspicious vintage. Tasted from both bottle and magnum in the UK in recent months, this note comes from an ex-château magnum tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux. It exudes class and majesty on the nose with its copious but brilliantly focused black fruit laced with cedar and graphite. To use a phrase I have written before, it is blue-blooded...regal. That comes through on a palate that has a haunting symmetry and a killer finish that is brilliantly defined and audaciously long, graphite lingering on the aftertaste. Quite simply, claret does not come better than this. (NM) - VM
VM100September 2022