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In 1963, the heirs of the Marquis de Ségur sold 75 % of
the Château Latour shares. The new shareholders became "Harveys
of Bristol" and "Hallminster Limited", both British Limited Companies.
"Hallminster Limited" belonged to the PEARSON Group, and held
more than 50 % of the shares of Château Latour.
However the juridical structure was not changed : it kept the
120 year-old name of "Société Civile du Vignoble de Château Latour".
At the time of the purchase, it was clear to everyone that the
property would have to undergo major renovations, both in the
vineyard and in the cellars :
The Vineyard :
- In Spring 1963, it was decided to extend the vineyard by 12.5
ha, by planting two plots situated outside the "Enclos" which
were owned by the Domain since 1850. This extension was not meant
to produce a wine that could enter the Grand Vin, but to add a
second wine named Les Forts de Latour. This project was undertaken
immediately and took about two years to be completed.
- Renewal of the entire vineyard on a complantation basis : this
means removing only the old and non-producing vines, and replacing
them with young vines (instead of removing an entire parcel).
This decision implies a more complex organization in order to
run the vineyard (during harvest for example, the young vines
are picked separately) -but it allows one to keep a larger number
of old vines.
- From 1968, important improvements were made to the draining
system. - Introduction of tractors and new machines for better
vineyard management.
Modernization of the winery and the vathouse :
- Restoration and extension of the winery.
- 1964 : A decision was made to replace the old wooden vats with
new stainless steel ones. Stainless steel is inert, and allows
temperatures to be automatically controlled by chilled water flowing
down along the vat. At that time, it was quite a revolutionary
change in the Médoc for a "Premier Cru", and the first of its
kind in the region. All these investments show the will for a
policy of excellence. In addition, they were undertaken in a very
favourable economic context, after the difficult years that followed
the end of World War II. Thanks to the new owners, a third "Golden
Age" was starting at Château Latour.
- In 1989, Allied Lyons, already owner of 25 % of the shares,
bought Pearson's as well as those remaining in the hands of some
individual owners, and thus became the majority shareholder.
- In July 1993, Allied Lyons decided to sell their shares to
François PINAULT. Entrepreneur and businessman, Mr PINAULT finally
brought Château Latour back into French hands after 30 years of
British ownership.
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