1994 CHÂTEAU LATOUR 1994

(01-2002)

(01-1998) This is an interesting as well as great vintage for Latour. As indicated in my barrel tasting report, Latour's 1994 possesses an atypically high percentage of Merlot (27%) in the final blend. Because of this, the wine appears to have a sweeter, more fleshy texture than is typical for a young Latour, but do not make the mistake of thinking this will be a commercially-styled, easy to drink wine. It exhibits an opaque dark rubypurple color, and a backward, intense textbook nose of walnut and cassis scents complemented by smoky pain grille notes that build in the glass. This full-bodied, powerful, layered Latour reveals high tannin, but no bitterness or astringency.

(09-2007)

(01-2015)  Firm, with a sense of rusticity to the tannins, the red and black fruits have a crispness, while the nose and finish share a leafy, tapenade character. The nose is the best part of the experience. It's a nice enough wine. The wine was produced from a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. This represents the most Merlot ever used in a vintage of Latour.

(01-2009) Dark and evolved color. Medium aromatic nose and a little green. Firm, ample, but not airy entry in mouth. Rich and rather opulent middle. On the finish, the wine becomes firmer. However, its tannin does not seem grainy to me. In its firmness, it evokes sensations that I find more often on limestone than on gravel. Normal length.

(08-2000) Classic Cabernet style. Intense aromas of plums and cherries, with hints of new wood. Full-bodied, with juicy and ripe tannins and a long finish. Very well-structured.

(01-2004) A subtle meaty nose. Mushrooms. Palate is relatively acidic for Latour and quite forward - more than the 93. A dense savoury finish with notes of dark chocolate. Well balanced with fine complexity. Will drink sooner than the 1993.