Press review

Parker # 134 (4/23/2001) : 90 Maturity: -2030

Not a blockbuster, super-concentrated classic such as the 1996, 1995, 1990, or 1982, the 1998 possesses a dark garnet/purple color in addition to a complex bouquet of underbrush, cedar, walnuts, and licorice-tinged black currants. Although medium to full-bodied and moderately tannic, it lacks the expansiveness in the mid-palate necessary to be truly great. Moreover, the tannin is slightly aggressive, although that is hardly unusual in such a young Latour.

Vinum (3/1/2001) : 18/20 Maturity: 2010-2030

Wine Spectator (1/31/2001) : 89

Plenty of currant, raspberry and mineral aromas, with hints of leaf and wet earth. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a tar, berry and cherry aftertaste. Slightly rustic for Latour. Not as exciting as I remember from barrel. Best after 2008.

The property in brief

The origin of the name of Château Latour is due to a fortress that Pons, Seigneur of Castillon, allowed Gaucelme de Castillon in 1331 to build in Saint Lambert. In 1378, Château Latour en Saint-Maubert, called later Château La Tour and then Château Latour, entered the annals of history. As a fortified place guarding the estuary, it was seized under the 100 years war by the Anglo-Gascon army and would stay under British domination, until the capitulation's treaty, just after the Battle of Castillon, on 17th July 1453. Today, the tower does not exist anymore and has be replaced by a pigeon house, probably built with the stones of the old Château between 1620 and 1630. At the end of the 17th century, after a succesion of sales, inheritances and marriages, the Latour estate became the property of the Ségur family which kept it during 300 years. In 1855, it was classified as First Growth under Napoleon. The existing Château was built between 1862 and 1864 during the golden age of Latour, which was highly recognized around the world. In 1963, the Marquis de Ségur sold 75 % of his shares to Harveys of Bristol and Hallminster Limited (Pearson Group), both British companies. In 1989, Allied Lyons, already owner of 25 % of the shares, bought Pearson's as well and became the majority shareholder until 1993, when they sold their shares to François Pinault,, French Entrepreneur and businessman. The Latour vineyard covers around 78 hectares of the Pauillac appellation, of which 47 hectares surround the chateau, these being referred to as l'Enclos. Only the grapes from these 47 hectares make the "Grand Vin de Château Latour";