Château Latour 1993

Pauillac

First growth of Médoc

France - - Red wine

75 cl - 12.5% vol.

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Press review

Château - Commentaire # web (5/1/2000) Maturity: 2002-2015

fter a mild winter, an early start of growth was noticed around 20 March on the Merlot. Mid-flowering was observed around 1 June, about ten days earlier than normal. The beginning of summer was dreary. Traditional « thinning » took place between 19 July and 10 August. But the heat at the end of the month accelerated ripening and reinforced the skins of the grapes. On 9 September it started to rain and some showers continued throughout the whole harvest from 22 September to 6 October. Fortunately, the thick skins of the grapes and the relatively low daily temperatures prevented the onset of grey-rot and therefore dilution was limited. In spite of these difficult climatic conditions the wines have turned out remarkably well : the Grand Vin has a deep garnet colour, and though the bouquet is still a little closed, it is starting to develop nice dried plum and crystallised fruits aromas. In the mouth, after an initial impression of softness and silkiness, the palate stretches out surprisingly onto very persistent flavours. The tannins are well fleshed out without any harshness. Not a « monster », but a very balanced wine with concentration and class.

Parker # Bordeaux Book 1998 (1/1/1998) : 90 Maturity: -2025

A terrific wine for the vintage, Latour's 1993 reveals an opaque purple color, a backward, cedar, black walnut, cassis, and earth-scented nose, medium to full body, gorgeously rich, concentrated fruit, moderately high tannin (but no astringency), and a sweet, long, powerful finish. The wine does not possess any of the vegetal, green pepper characteristics of the vintage, nor any hint of hollowness or harshness. This wine may prove to merit an even higher rating. Is this vintage the modern day clone of the 1967 and 1971?

Wine Spectator (8/31/2000) : 89

Very friendly for a young Latour. Lots of plum, Merlot character in this wine. Medium- to full-bodied, with fleshy fruit and soft and juicy tannins. Sweet fruit aftertaste. Drink now through 2015.

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";