This was a great (perhaps one of the greatest) vintages of Latour. Spicy nose, very structured eucalyptus in the mouth with fruit and substance. Long finish with wonderful lingering aromatic flavours. It is difficult to tell when the wine will begin to decline. It has been ready to drink since the late '70s and remains highly concentrated and full of charm, with a colour that has not evolved much for the age of the wine.
This year was the product of some extremely difficult weather followed by very favourable conditions throughout the growing season and beyond the harvests. There were significant frosts on 1 and 2 May, and the vines, which at that point were three weeks ahead, were severely affected. After the war, the vineyard was nothing like what it is today: it had not been replanted, improved or fertilized and suffered from a lack of suitable treatments against various diseases. At that time, the average yield ranged from 15 to 20 hectolitres per hectare, and this was mainly from old vines that produced comparatively little. Despite a difficult vinification, the resulting 54 barrels of Latour were rich and concentrated.
Exceptional year
A rather disappointing vintage, poor and lacking in charm. The wines were generally thin and short, with a hint of greenness. This wine reached its peak long ago.
Generally unfavourable weather throughout the growing period. Cold, wet periods alternated with dry spells, which were followed by more rain before some fine weather around September and during the harvests. Quality did nevertheless suffer from the capricious weather. The harvests began on 25 September.
Poor year
This wine aged quickly but has remained drinkable for a long time. The colour is still not too evolved. Bouquet of tar and chocolate, good structure and fine balance maintained by excellent acidity.
Very good year both in terms of quantity and quality. But also a year in which diseases caused significant damage. In the end, very ripe grapes were obtained, with very high levels of sugar and low acidity, resulting in a delicate vinification.
Great Year
Initially the wine was very robust with a strong colour. It has passed its peak but is surprisingly well balanced and full of life, with a complex nose of tobacco and liquorice and a very fresh finish.
Paradoxical vintage. Weather conditions in July and August were not good. There was generally not enough sunshine for the grapes. The vineyards suffered from serious attacks from grape worms. The harvests began on 27 September and yielded average volumes. However, the wine proved to be of good quality, due to the warm weather during the harvests.
Good year
While it does not have the silkiness of the 1945, it does, however, have an exceptional bouquet and an unusual intensity on the palate. This wine, at its peak, retained all of its class and elegance, and a gentle concentration.
This vintage was subjected to numerous challenges in terms of weather conditions. An exceptional drought paralysed the grapes' growth, drying up the lower leaves and resulting in a small harvest. In the vats, a concentrated wine was obtained with high levels of alcohol and a very intense flavour. Very strongly coloured wines after a difficult vinification.
Great Year
We did not expect high quality from such an abundant harvest. We were wrong. We were able to make very good, supple, ripe wines. Today, this wine has lost much of its fruit and concentration but has maintained a surprisingly elegant balance that can still be enjoyed.
Favourable weather throughout the growing period. This vintage was characterized by an abundance of fruit. The harvests began on 20 September.
Good year
This wine has no major flaws, but it does not have any great qualities either, and has passed its peak.
A poor vintage from a small harvest. There was an attack of flower abortion, a lack of sunshine during critical months and several diseases that were difficult to treat. Fortunately, in early October, there was some fine weather for the harvests, which helped to restore the balance.
Poor year
This wine is still very surprising. Elegant bouquet of mint and dried fruit, ripe tannins, rich and well balanced without being aggressive. Very well balanced. Past its peak
The weather was very favourable and growth was excellent throughout the year. Without the heavy rains during the harvests, which diluted the grape juice and made the fermentations more normal, we could have produced wines that were too concentrated. The harvests began on 15 September. The wines already looked very promising when they were separated from the solid matter: rich, with a beautiful colour and plenty of body.
Good year
This wine is characterized by good balance, but it has evolved faster than the 1952 because it contains less tannins. Good quality, well balanced and very elegant. Past its peak
Normal budbreak, early flowering (20-30 May) in perfect conditions. The weather then became cold, wet and windy. Flowering continued until dangerously late in June. In some cases there was a significant flower abortion. Thundery showers in July. Beautiful weather from August to mid-September. The grapes regained strength and ripening proceeded normally. Exceptionally fine weather for the harvests during the first half of October. The harvest was better than expected and a pleasant surprise.
Good year
Thin-textured wine
A moderate year in terms of climate and also volumes produced and final quality. Exceptionally, there was a frost on the morning of 23 September; the harvests began on 1 October. Small amounts of rot were present during the picking. The grape juice was not very promising. It produced wines with a thin texture, but which were generally consistent.
Average year
At its peak for several years, this wine has more than kept its promises since bottling. It has developed concentrated aromas of leather, liquorice, tobacco and coffee. In the mouth it is very structured, still robust and concentrated, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish.
June was damp and hot with frequent showers. However, the fine weather early in the month enabled the earliest flowers to complete their growing cycle without any problems. Average temperatures were above normal, and flowering progressed smoothly despite the rain. September was sunny and warm. The harvests began on 25 September. Very active fermentation. Very rich musts, of a quality comparable to 1949 and 52. When the wines were run-off, they were rich, generous and full-bodied with good aromas and superb colours.
Great Year
Latour's terroir demonstrated its ability to produce a good wine for the vintage, but it was a little light and acidic.
A terrible year for the vineyards of Bordeaux. Disastrous frosts in February took a heavy toll on the vines. While Latour did not suffer too badly, the bad weather during the summer had a negative effect on growth and, ultimately, on quality. The weather in September was generally fine, but for the harvests, which began on 5 October, it was rainy and cold.
Poor year
Very early on, the wine revealed itself to be strongly coloured and well structured, but with a marked acidity and a general lack of maturity.
Inevitably, this vintage suffered the consequences of the frost in 1956 and the yield was reduced. Variable weather during growth with alternating periods of rain and cold, then dry and warm. Fortunately, there was good weather during the harvests.
Average year
The wine was very fresh, fruity and flavoursome. Although it has lost much of its vigour and has passed its peak, there is still some fruit and a soft finish.
High temperatures in late July and the first fortnight of August. Despite rain, temperatures were normal for the season. The two summer months were more favourable than in 1957 and markedly better than in 1956. The harvest began on 21 September in good weather conditions
Poor year
This wine has a beautiful colour and expresses the roasted flavours of the 1949, combined with the fullness and smoothness of the 1953. Very rich, complex nose overlaid with ripe fruit, cedar and dark mint chocolate. On the palate it is ripe and full-bodied yet also very concentrated and structured. A great wine that still has ageing potential.
A warm, wet spring. Severe frost on 22 April. Flowering continued from 25 May to 20 June. Very good weather in July and August, although a little too dry. The bunches suffered and did not develop properly. September was warm and rather dry. The harvests began on 21 September. The musts were rich, fleshy, strongly coloured and promising. Tumultuous fermentation due to the heat.
Exceptional year
The first tastings revealed a wine with a fine colour and good vinosity and structure. Since then, this wine has confirmed our first impressions. Coming between the two exceptional years of 1959 and 1961 its full worth has not been recognized. Not very concentrated but harmonious.
After a very fine spring, the vines were well ahead in late June. Despite a poor summer (especially August and September), the harvests began on 12 September, 15 days earlier than usual. The well-ripened Merlot produced full-bodied, supple, fruity wines. We were able to harvest healthy grapes which gave clean, well-flavoured, rich, smooth, strongly coloured, fragrant musts.
Good year
Tastings after running-off suggested a great wine. It was clean-tasting, brightly coloured, very rich, very ripe, very roasted and very full-bodied. Such colours had not been seen for a long time. In the mouth it is phenomenal, full of fruit, structured, incredibly concentrated and perfectly balanced. The tannins are very present, but without being aggressive. Very long finish. It has barely reached its peak and will improve further.
Very wet winter, but February was very mild. The vines were a month ahead. Flowering began on 12 May, but the fine weather during the day alternated with cold nights. It was very cold and, on May 29, when the vines were in bloom, the vineyard was hit by frost. The flowers were completely frozen with the result that three-quarters of the harvest was lost. The month of July and the first three weeks of August were generally not very good: overcast, no rain and temperatures below normal. There was then a period of continuous fine weather from 24 August to 28 September, and it was almost as dry as in 1949. The harvests took place between 19 and 28 September, with a low yield.
Exceptional year
The first tastings were promising: rich wines with a hint of acidity on the palate (very similar to the 1953, with a little more vinosity at the start). This is a serious wine that has kept its promises, but never gained the reputation it deserved, as it has always been in the shadow of the 61. The bouquet presents aromas of caramel; lots of substance; concentrated, supple yet vigorous, with fruit supported by good acidity.
A cold, frosty winter until March. After a cold and rainy first half of April, the second half was warm and humid. First flower on 10 June. Flowering developed quickly due to the fine weather. The grapes were plentiful and of good quality. Hot, dry weather during June. The foliage was beginning to suffer from the lack of rain, but the grapes remained healthy and promising. Splendid, hot dry August. September was similar to August with a few beneficial showers. The first ten days of October were fine and warm, the harvests took place from 1 to 20 October.
Great Year
The musts were more brown than red. The wine was very disappointing and has not improved much with age.
Spring was without problems and the foliage was vigorous by late May. June was hot and damp. The heat wave continued throughout July and August. However, August was slightly cooler and wetter. Veraison began on 9 August. The grapes were huge and engorged with water. A dry September was essential. Unfortunately, it rained every day during the first two weeks and rot spread rapidly. The harvests took place from 10 to 23 October, after the rain had stopped. But there was not much left to pick, and the quality was seriously compromised.
Poor year
Highly coloured wine with a very spicy bouquet. On the palate, it is rich with "roasted" flavours. Bouquet of cigar, coffee, cedar, wax and spices. Very round and smooth in the mouth; elegantly balanced. While not massive, this wine is genuinely worthy of interest and pleasant to drink.
The budbreak took place on 5 April but the vines' development was slow until the end of the month. After an acceleration in the growth cycle during May, the first flower appeared on the 29th. June was warm and stormy with heavy showers. Hot, dry weather in July and August. Conditions seemed likely to produce an abundant harvest. Variable weather in September, which fortunately did not prevent the grapes from ripening. The harvests began on 25 September and continued with good weather until 8 October. It rained almost continuously from 7 to 17 October. The quality of the wines this year was thus largely dependent on the harvest date, and Latour's terroir, with its tendency to produce early ripening, was able to show its full potential.
Good year
The wine was disappointing: green, short, lacking in colour. It has not improved much since.
Growth started a little late on 30 March, but the vines developed normally after 30 April. Apart from some very fine weather during the second half of May, it was somewhat cold until the middle of June. From then on, there was a great improvement and the first flower appeared around 20 June. The weather worsened again in July and August with rain and low temperatures for the season. The weather deteriorated during the first twenty days of September. There was a break from 19 to 25th, then it started raining again, temperatures dropped and rot began to develop. The harvest took place in fine weather from 4 to 16 October. But the damage was done and the musts were poor, with lots of acidity and little colour
Poor year
Colour is still opaque. Deep, rich nose of cedar, plum, leather and spices. The palate is solid, robust, well structured, with plenty of substance and an intense finish. 1966 was the first year of production of Les Forts de Latour, with the clear objective of producing a wine with the level of a very good classified growth.
Following a very wet winter, budbreak occurred on 15 March. Normal weather during the spring, sunny and warm during the first half of May. After a few showers early in the month, September was warm and dry, which was good for the ripening process. The harvests took place from 25 September to 10 October, with variable but generally fine weather. The harvest was healthy, with good levels of sugar and an initially rather high acidity, which stabilized after malolactic fermentation.
Great Year
Bouquet of cedar, caramel and wax. The palate is very harmonious and rich, with good concentration. Very well-balanced with well-integrated, ripe tannins. Soft finish. A pleasant surprise for this vintage.
Budbreak occurred on 18 March, after a mild, damp winter. April was very cool with a few morning frosts. Variable, cool weather in May, with a warm, wet second week. A beautiful July, very hot and very dry. A lot of rain during the first half of August, but the weather subsequently improved becoming sunny and warm. The first three weeks of September were rainy. The harvests took place between 26 September and 15 October. Fine weather during the harvests, with just a few showers.
Good year
1968 is one of the lesser vintages of the decade with 1963 and 1965. Bouquet of caramel, full-bodied on the palate with no dryness, although a little short.
Mild, wet winter. Budbreak took place on 30 March. Early April was cold with frequent morning frosts, it even snowed on the 6th. Beautiful second half of April, enabling the vines to grow quickly. The first flowers appeared on 1 June. Thick mist resulted in some flower abortion. July was generally hot with frequent storms. Due to an unusually cool, rainy August, the vegetative cycle was delayed. The ground became waterlogged, bringing the threat of rot. No improvement in September, many bunches did not ripen in good conditions and a substantial quantity of the harvest was affected by rot. The harvests took place from 26 September to 12 October. The musts were low in sugar, with high acidity and little colour.
Poor year
This wine was rather austere in its youth, but developed rapidly. Peppery nose, slightly acrid. On the palate, interesting structure and concentration, but remains tannic and slightly acidic.
After a generally mild, wet winter, interspersed with a few cold spells, growth began on 4 April. The weather was poor and rainy in May. This severe weather continued until 7 June. Good weather during flowering followed by a deterioration in temperatures to below normal. Flowering was affected and continued until 5 July. July was hot and sunny, but with some flower abortion due to the previous conditions. August was rather cool. It rained until 22 September. Fortunately, thanks to the low temperatures, the rot spread slowly. The harvests took place from 29 September to 15 October. The musts were moderately rich, with high acidity, but fine colours.
Poor year
The rich tannins and promising qualities of this vintage noted during vinification have lived up to all expectations. The wine has incredible power and concentration. The nose offers layers of cedar, dark chocolate and the usual spices found in Latour in ripe years. The palate is generous, massive and well-balanced with very ripe, rich tannins leaving a fresh finish. A great classic.
After a fairly mild winter, the budbreak took place late March but the vegetation was immediately slowed and affected by frosts in early April. The start of spring remained cool and growth was slightly delayed. Flowering proceeded normally around 15 June. July was sunny and warm and the grapes began to ripen around the 25th. August was moderate with no particular extremes. September was warm and humid with high temperatures which enabled the grapes to finish ripening perfectly. The harvests took place from 28 September to 17 October with normal weather for the season; a few showers at night. The musts were rich, with good balance in terms of acidity and sugar, and deep colours.
Great Year
Nose offers very recognizable aromas of beeswax and caramel. On the palate the wine is rich and fairly concentrated, with smooth well-integrated tannins. A great success for the year.
The budbreak was quite late due to the cool spring: 12 April in the Médoc. Then May was sunny and warm and growth was able to catch up. Flowering is recorded as starting on 1 June. A cold, damp period then followed, resulting in flower abortion and uneven grape size, reducing the forecasted harvest by almost half. July was sunny and sometimes very hot, with a few thunderstorms. Temperatures remained moderate in August. September started well but then temperatures fell with heavy thunderstorms and some hail. However, the harvests took place in excellent conditions from 30 September to 15 October. The musts presented superb sugar levels (sometimes higher than in 1970!) and high levels of acidity.
Very good year
The nose presents the classic Latour aromas of cedar and coffee. The palate has kept a little fruit but lacks balance and has an astringent finish. This wine reached its peak long ago.
Very wet weather prevailed throughout winter and continued until 15 April. A cold spell then settled in with morning frosts. May was rainy and cold with frosts. This May set a record for its lack of sunshine and the cold weather continued into the first half of June. Given these exceptionally unfavourable conditions, flowering started with some difficulty on 12 June and was very spread out. July was hot and sunny with little rain. Unfortunately, August and September were cold and rainy and the vines developed at a very slow pace. The harvest took place from 9 to 24 October in fine weather. The harvest was healthy with less rot than could have been feared, but nevertheless gave acidic musts, lacking in sugar and colour.
Poor year
Tasting the 73 is often a pleasant surprise. The nose is spicy with notes of cedar and while the palate is not particularly concentrated, there is a delightful lingering balance between fruit and tannins.
After a mild, sunny March, budbreak occurred on 1 April. Temperatures rose in late April accompanied by a few showers. Flowering began in early June and despite frequent rain, proceeded normally in high temperatures. The hot, heavy weather continued until 15 July, when it became cooler until the end of the month. August was perfect, hot and dry, without the vines suffering from a lack of water. September was overcast but remained dry until heavy rain arrived at the end of the month accompanied by a cold spell. The harvests took place from 24 September to 9 October in good weather with average temperatures. The harvest was diluted but through rigorous selection it was still possible to make rich, round wines with plenty of fruit.
Average year
Beautiful colour, slightly smoky, spicy nose. The palate presents medium concentration, a little unbalanced by a marked acidity and a slightly astringent finish. A year to forget, the wine has passed its peak.
After a mild, wet winter, the vines started to grow around 25 March and continued in good conditions during April, but then slowed down during a cold, wet May. Fine weather from late May enabled flowering to start on 12 June. July and August were hot and dry. Ripening began on 25 July but progress was slowed by a degree of dryness. Conditions remained good until 25 August, but from 26th and for almost all of September, the weather became cool and very humid. The harvests began on 26 September and ended on 15 October in heavy rain; rot developed gradually. The wines were diluted by the substantial increase in volume.
Poor year
The character of these young wines is reminiscent of the 1955 and 1947. They are fragrant, very ripe and rich. Despite the silky texture, richness and fruit, the wine remains very masculine with a fresh finish.
The growing cycle started early (beginning of March) but was then delayed by a cold spell until 25 March; a beautiful end of April enabled the vines to catch up again. It was recorded that the vines at Latour were in full bloom on 15 June and flowering proceeded in excellent conditions. Fine weather came in early July and continued until mid-September. Rather than compromising quality, the heavy rain from 12 to 17 September enabled the bunches to develop. The harvests took place from 25 September to 10 October. Despite a few night-time showers, the weather remained warm and the harvest was perfectly healthy with very high quality grapes and the hope of a great vintage.
Great Year
Bouquet of cedar and caramel with a hint of very ripe tomato. The wine is full of fruit, rich, well concentrated, but with a slight lack of elegance.
Growth started normally around 1 April. April, May, June and July were warmer and drier than average. As a result, the grapes ripened quickly and had finished changing colour by 10 August. After 15 August, the vines began to suffer from the effects of drought to which it had previously resisted. The grapes continued to ripen, but remained small. Rain returned in the second week of September, raising fears of a deterioration in the quality of grapes. But the rains were short and allowed volumes to increase slightly without diluting the harvest. The harvests took place from 16 September to 2 October. Sugar levels were high, with the grapes reaching an excellent degree of ripeness.
Good year
A moderately concentrated Latour with a bouquet of cedar, very pleasant and soft in the mouth, a surprise for the year. No sign of harshness or astringency. A curiosity.
Budbreak was early, around 5 March. This earliness inevitably increased the risks of frost. And unfortunately, on the morning of 31 March, a frost caused widespread damage, especially to the Merlot. These conditions continued during a rather cool May; flowering did not start until 15 June and continued over a longer period than usual. Early July was sunny but the end was rainy and cool. The combined rainfall in July and August was more than double the average. Fortunately, September was magnificent. The harvests took place from 3 to 17 October. The fermentations were fast with good extraction of colour.
Average year
The first tastings confirmed the excellent quality of this vintage. The aromas of the 1978 are very typically "Cabernet Sauvignon" with notes of truffle and black olives. In the mouth it is a powerful, sappy wine, with a solid finish. The general quality of this vintage was the subject of some debate, but for Latour it was a great year.
After a mild, rainy winter, budbreak occurred at the end of March. April was wet and temperatures remained low during the first half of May. The end of May was warmer and growth accelerated. Flowering started slowly and lasted nearly three weeks. Temperatures remained below the seasonal average in July. Early August was cool and the Azores High settled in the Bay of Biscay from 10 August and remained there until the end of the harvests, creating the perfect hot, dry conditions for accelerating the ripening of the grapes. A few showers late September limited the effects of what was becoming a drought. The harvests took place from 9 to 20 October. The grapes were in perfect health conditions, with thick skins and promising levels of sugar.
Great Year
Wines of very high standard with magnificent colours and a beautiful tannic structure. Great richness on the palate with delightful, elegant notes of leather and ripe fruit.
After a particularly wet winter and spring, May and June were sunny, allowing the flowers to develop without any problems. A hot, dry July encouraged good growth. August was cooler but remained dry. The grapes therefore ripened in very good conditions; some rain late September refreshed them, and relieved the strain on the vines after the long dry period. The harvests took place from 4 to 18 October, confirming the delayed nature of the 1979 vintage.
Good year
In this difficult year, Latour's terroir managed to produce a delightful wine with a beautiful colour. Delicate aromas of coffee and plum. Average concentration in the mouth, but well-balanced. A very pleasant surprise for the vintage.
After a classic Médoc winter, budbreak occurred on 2 April. April was dry and cool, May was cool and rainy as was June. The spring of 1980 was generally cold. It was the coldest June since 1946: these conditions resulted in some flower abortion and uneven grape size in July (which was the coldest on record since 1954). Fortunately, August and September were hot. In September, heavy showers, particularly in the Médoc, left the soil waterlogged. The grapes swelled causing a dilution barely three weeks before the harvests. The harvests were late (13 to 24 October) and took place in the rain and cold, but the weather improved towards the end.
Average year
This vintage has confirmed all of its potential. Very strongly coloured wine with aromas of cedar, spices and tobacco. On the palate, the wine has beautiful volume, abundant fruit and good tannic structure. Classic style and a beautiful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon
After a cold, dry winter, March was warm and wet. Vine growth proceeded normally, including the flowering period with warm, sunny weather. July was cool and rainy, but fortunately magnificent weather arrived towards the end of the month and continued until 20 September, enabling the grapes to ripen correctly. The harvests began on 28 September and ended on 9 October in very rainy weather.
Good year
This vintage is totally complete: colour, fruit, body, structure, balance, length. The nose remains closed, but of a surprising complexity. On the palate it has huge concentration combined with a great smoothness.
A mild winter resulted in a relatively early budbreak, between 25 March and 1 April. A particularly sunny, dry April enabled the vines to grow quickly. Hail at the beginning of May affected some vineyards. May and June were warm and stormy, encouraging further rapid growth and a good flowering period in the early days of June. July was hot with some rain that accelerated the grapes' development. August was quite cool with well dispersed periods of rain. September became hot and dry again, and the ripening of the grapes was prolonged to bring them to extraordinary levels of richness in sugar (over 13°C for the Merlot, 12 to 12.5°C for the Cabernets). The harvests took place from 16 to 30 September, disrupted by a few inconsequential showers after the 21st.
Exceptional year
The wines are well assembled and balanced. They develop aromas of spices and cedar; delightful and harmonious on the palate, with the fruit remaining very present.
The winter was mild and rainy, except for a few cold days in mid-February. Budbreak was early on 20 March and the weather then became very rainy until the end of May. From the first days of June, sunny, warm, dry weather arrived, enabling excellent flowering which began on 8 June. The harvest promised to be abundant. July and August were very hot but stormy, and the humidity resulted in a severe outbreak of disease. These conditions continued during the first two weeks of September. Fine weather arrived in mid-September, with three warm months with no rain. The rot was stopped and ripening was able to continue normally. The harvests took place in superb weather from 22 September to 11 October. The harvest was particularly abundant this year et Latour.
Good year
This vintage offers average concentration and quality but the tannins, which seemed harsh in their youth due to a lack of fullness from the Merlot, softened as they aged. The wine has developed an interesting aromatic complexity and surprising finesse, while being rather disappointing in the mouth due to a lack of richness and structure.
After a wet winter, growth started late. The spring was very wet and cold and the vines grew in an irregular fashion, resulting in late flowering and flower abortion in the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. July was hot and dry. August and early September were beautiful and sunny. But the second half of September was more variable with rain from 22 September to 4 October. The harvests began on 1 October in the rain, but continued in good weather from 5th to 14th. After fears that the grape juice would be diluted by the rain, we were pleasantly surprised by the colour and richness of the wines.
Poor year
The wines were very well balanced with notes of vanilla, caramel and red fruit. On the palate, these were soft, elegant, full wines, concentrated but with no harshness, enabling them to age harmoniously.
A harsh winter, with temperatures reaching -18°C on 16 January. While the mass of the Gironde protected Latour's "Enclos" from frost; some vines suffered on the external plot of "Petit Batailley". The weather then became particularly favourable: budbreak occurred on 1 April, followed by a mild, rainy spring without any extreme conditions. Flowering proceeded in favourable conditions from 2 to 15 June. The summer was sunny, hot and dry, except for some heavy showers at the end of July. September was exceptionally fine and promoted ripening. The harvests took place from 30 September to 11 October with light rain between the 4th and 9th. The grapes were perfectly ripe and healthy.
Very good year
The wines are remarkably concentrated with "tight" tannins, characteristic of Latour in great years. Rich, fruity, spicy, long on the palate, with mint and mineral aromas.
The winter was rainy and fairly mild. Budbreak was quite late, on 14 April. May was very hot, producing an explosion of growth and the vines partially caught up. Flowering began on 16 June and continued in excellent conditions. The summer was superb and very dry; the vines developed remarkably, to such an extent that, for the first time at Latour, a general crop-thinning was conducted in order to improve concentration. Early September was very fine but deteriorated in the middle of the month with rain that made the grapes swell. Fortunately the sun came back at the end of the month with easterly winds which avoided the risk of grey rot and accelerated ripening. The harvests took place from 30 September to 16 October in magnificent sunshine.
Great Year
The weather conditions for this vintage resulted in a strict selection of the wines being necessary. Some vats were downgraded to generic Pauillac. The wines were light, evolved, yet elegant and with no greenness, developing aromas of liquorice, tobacco and coffee.
After a very cold January (-15° C on 18 January), the vines had to endure a prolonged period of frost. A very sunny month of May resulted in superb growth. Unfortunately, a rainy overcast June disrupted flowering, resulting in some flower abortion and uneven grape size. Flowering was very long, continuing from 3 May to 29 June. The second half of July set new records for cold temperatures and rain. August was satisfactory but early September was wet. From 8 to 19 September late maturing bunches and those with uneven grape size were removed from the vines in order to improve the quality of the harvests. The harvests took place from 30 September to 17 October in the rain. Ripeness was satisfactory.
Poor year
1988 is a classic great vintage, typical of the Médoc's ocean climate. The Grand Vin presents concentrated aromas of coffee, liquorice and truffle. The wines are full of fruit, very typical of Cabernet Sauvignon, both lively and full-bodied.
A normal budbreak in early April and good flowering over a sunny period, alternating with a few thunderstorms, promised a bountiful good quality harvest. The summer was very dry and the grapes developed quickly. Some green harvests were done late July. Veraison began on 1 August. August and September were very sunny and seriously lacking in rain. Late September the grapes were very healthy and small, with concentrated juices, promising a great wine. The harvests began on 28 September in excellent conditions and continued until 10 October. The grapes were in perfect health and the musts were extraordinarily concentrated.
Great Year
The wines were dense, with wild, roasted aromas that were almost exotic for Latour. They showed opulence in their youth, but have remained rich, powerful and very concentrated, noticeably "marked" by the weather conditions for the vintage.
1989 was the earliest year for growth since 1893! From the budbreak of the Merlot on 27 March to the harvests, the year offered the perfect vineyard climate. The vines were in full bloom on 29 May and the superb, dry summer accelerated ripening. Green harvests were carried out in early July with about 50% of bunches being removed from young vines to prevent the risk of water stress. The whole region was taken by surprise by the vintage's early ripening, and harvests at Latour began on 31 August (!), continuing until 21 September in ideal conditions.
Great Year
During vinification, the vintage had the richness of the 1989 but with more personality and complexity. The wines presented all the characteristics of exceptional years: rich, complex bouquet, with aromas of candied cherries, chocolate, cedar and tobacco. A surprising richness on the palate, with extraordinary volume, class and density. For the first time in a great year, a generic Pauillac was produced, thereby enabling the quality of Les Forts de Latour to be improved by selection.
A particularly warm winter resulted in a very early budbreak, on 1 March for the Merlot. A variable spring slightly delayed this advance, but mid-flowering was recorded on 25 May, 15 days ahead of normal. Early July, the vineyard's crop was rigorously checked with the traditional "green harvests". The whole summer was very dry, which severely affected the vines. Due to the underground layers of clay in the "Enclos", the grapes were able to ripen in perfect conditions. The harvests were very spread out, from 10 September to 2 October, in order to get the best out of all the plots. Some rain on 22 and 23 September enabled the Cabernet Sauvignon to finish ripening.
Exceptional year
The wines developed aromas of dried fruit, leather and tobacco. In the mouth, they have good concentration and lots of personality, with tannins that are firm without being harsh.
Budbreak occurred on 25 March, followed by a very mild early spring, leading to rapid growth of the buds. But on the night of 20 to 21 April, a terrible frost hit the entire Bordeaux region. Losses of almost 20% were recorded in the "Enclos", and over 80% of the buds were destroyed in external plots. Fortunately, the summer was excellent, and from 22 July to 14 August, late-maturing bunches or those with an irregular grape size were removed in "green harvests". The harvests started on 24 September, but were interrupted by rain from 26th to 29th. They ended on 10 October, before the rain returned. This vintage of Château Latour was unquestionably saved by its exceptional terroir and in particular the proximity of the Gironde river, which limited the effects of the frost. The harvest was healthy and ripe.
Good year
In the end, the wines were fairly surprising: good structure, very well balanced, and bursting with fruit and spicy aromas. Past its peak.
A dry, mild winter resulted in budbreak on 24 March. Summer temperatures in May caused an explosion in growth and mid-flowering was recorded on 5 June. A very rainy June encouraged the development of certain diseases in the vineyard, which required strict, methodical measures throughout the season. After a "normal" July, August was very hot with some large thunderstorms (three times more rainfall than normal). September was cool and dry, resulting in relatively slow ripening. Rain returned the day before the harvests, which took place from 23 September to 9 October. Drastic sorting was necessary to remove grapes affected by grey rot. A great deal of effort was also required during the vinification process in order to extract the best from this difficult vintage.
Average year
Satisfactory result despite difficult weather conditions. Complex wine, developing aromas of prunes and candied fruit with a hint of Havana tobacco. On the palate, the wine explodes with freshness and fruit. While not exceptionally concentrated, this wine is well balanced with a full, silky structure and a surprisingly long finish.
A mild winter led to an early budbreak of the Merlot around 20 March. Full bloom was recorded on 1 June, corresponding to an advance of about ten days. The early summer was rather sullen, but August was very hot and sunny, accelerating ripening and thickening the grapes' skins. Green harvests were done from 19 July to 10 August. Rain arrived on 9 September and showers continued for nearly all of the harvest period from 22 September to 6 October. Fortunately, the grapes' thick skins were resistant to rot and dilution.
Average year
Concentrated, with powerful, delicious tannins, this wine achieves a good level of quality and has character. The tannins are pronounced and spicy, but not aggressive.
A mild, rainy winter followed by a very warm, dry March led to an early budbreak, on 15 March for the Merlot. Summer temperatures at the end of April and a damp but mild May brought early flowering: full bloom was recorded on 2 June (10 days ahead of a normal year). June and July were very hot with a few thunderstorms in late August; conditions were ideal for producing an exceptional vintage. However, a cold rainy period began on 7 September that delayed ripening. The harvests took place from 19 to 29 September accompanied by some thundery showers. But the grapes remained in perfect health and there was virtually no dilution.
Good year
Rich, ripe wine. Aromas of chocolate and notes of fresh mint. Very round in the mouth, supple, rich with ripe fruit, classic finish. Purity and concentration.
A mild, very rainy winter resulted in an exceptionally early budbreak which, however, continued over a very long period (recorded on 27 February for the Merlot!...and 24 March for the Cabernet Sauvignon). June was hot and dry. The drought continued in an alarming fashion throughout July and August, with three times less rainfall than normal during these three months. The green harvests that took place from 17 July to 4 August helped any overly laden vines, especially the younger ones, to withstand the heat wave. Fortunately, rain arrived on 7 September to "resuscitate" the vineyard and accelerate ripening. The harvests began with the Merlot on 13 September in overcast weather, and ended in fine weather on the 27th, after some rain. However, no signs of dilution were detected in the wines.
Great Year
A little austere at first compared to the previous vintage, the concentration of this wine then takes on a delightfully rich aspect: it combines a surprising classic, balanced, solid tannic structure that has perfect, plump tannins thanks to a superb maturity, with very pure fruit. A wine that will keep for a very long time!
A mild, wet winter resulted in a fairly early budbreak at Latour, on 23 March for the Merlot and 2 April for the Cabernet Sauvignon. After three weeks of cool weather in early May, a warm period from the 23rd caused an "explosion" in growth. Flowering began on 28 May. Some flower abortion was noted in the older Merlot vines in the Enclos. June and July were hot and humid. Thunderstorms continued in August, but Latour was spared, receiving only 67 mm of rain. There was a period of fine weather in late August with three hot, dry weeks; easterly winds had a concentrating effect on the grapes, and cool nights enabled gradual ripening in typical ocean climate conditions. The harvests were slightly disrupted by several storms and took place from 17 September to 2 October. The grapes were perfect, very ripe and perfectly balanced, comparable to 1990.
Exceptional year
As a result of very strict selection, the wines were of good quality but could not aspire to compete with the superbly concentrated vintages of 1995 and 1996. Well coloured, very fruity, smooth and moderately structured, these are balanced wines, full of charm and accessible fairly young.
Abundant rainfall in the second half of May and a very wet June disrupted flowering, resulting in some flower abortion and uneven grape size, but more significantly in the flowering being extended over a long period. Although veraison started very early (around 7 July), it continued steadily and evenly during August. Violent rain storms in August caused the size of the grapes to increase considerably and the hot, humid, almost subtropical climate, encouraged both growth and disease, to the detriment of ripening. Fortunately, favourable weather returned in September and enabled the harvest to be picked in excellent conditions. The harvest took place in blazing sunshine, from 8 to 25 September: the grapes were in perfect health and surprisingly ripe.
Average year
The wines are dense, structured and tannic. The fruit recalls the 1988, but riper, and the constitution of the 1986, but less austere. Long on the palate, these wines develop strong aromas of liquorice and black cherry. Very classic, the Grand Vin is a typical expression of the power of the terroir of Latour's "Enclos".
A year full of contrasts: with a high average temperature and low air humidity, 1998 was theoretically a hot, dry year...yet it was extremely troubled! Despite rainy harvests, a "little wine miracle" allowed us to produce a great vintage that will benefit from age. The harvests at Latour took place from 22 September and 5 October, between the showers; at times the very rainy, damp weather made us lose all hope of producing an exceptional vintage... But we had not allowed for nature's capacity to surprise and the strength of a great terroir!
Good year
A vintage with great character. Dark, complex, balanced, with excellent concentration, rich in fruit. Our first impressions on tasting were of aromas of very ripe black cherries, wild strawberries, blackcurrants and plums. The tannins are silky, the palate is long and sleek, with great freshness.
The winter was drier than normal. The first Merlot budbreak was on 20 March and the Cabernet Sauvignons on 5 April. Dry, hot weather followed, accelerating the opening of the buds. Subsequently rain, cold and wind delayed the vines' growth. Very fortunately, the weather quickly improved in May. The end of June and July were particularly hot with temperatures of between 30 and 35°C. August was more difficult because regular showers increased the risk of disease. The sun stayed out properly after 20 August. On 14 September the first grapes to enter the vats confirmed the vintage's great richness. The harvests ended on 30 September.
Very good year
Impressive deep, dark colour; the wines have a powerful, balanced structure. The dense structures and the qualities of the tannins may be superior to those of the 96 and 90 vintage. The balance of the Grand Vin combines class, rigour, complexity and great finesse in the fruit.
Flowering took place in a mild, wet spring, and damage caused by mildew was accompanied by some outbreaks of flower abortion and uneven grape size in older plots of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Weather conditions greatly improved in June, and rainfall remained below seasonal norms, thereby limiting vigorous growth and, more importantly, stopping the development of the mildew in the spring. Fortunately, the fine weather that followed in July and August allowed the grapes to achieve a rare complexity and maximum temperatures remained conducive to gradual ripening. September continued in much the same way as August, and improved the conditions for ripening. On 19 September, 35 mm of rain washed the grapes of any impurities before the harvests. These began with the Merlot in the Enclos on 22 September and ended on 11 October.
Exceptional year
Classic, distinguished, and dominated by a balance of great purity, the 2001 will have to be matured and aged to develop its full potential. It will maintain a solid place in the succession of great vintages of recent years.
Autumn and winter were generally mild and repeated showers gave way to a cool, wet spring. From June, mild, dry weather allowed flowering to proceed in a favourable climate. July saw some stormy periods, but also sunny days without excessive heat. August was dry with occasional violent storms. September contributed as much as August to the success of this vintage. We recorded fairly cool temperatures, conducive to gradual ripening. The harvests began on 1 October, with the Merlot and Petit Verdot, and ended on 13 October with the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Very good year
On tasting, the good level of acidity achieved in the blending added a sensation of power to the wine's aromatic complexity and body. The style is characterized by fruit, finesse and elegance and an imposing structure that is typical of the terroir.
The difference between our expectations after an apparently disastrous summer and the first tastings was so huge that 2002 will remain etched in our memories. Rain was lacking from November to April and by mid-April there was a drought situation. There was substantial rain in May and low temperatures. The summer began with a hot, dry June but was then punctuated by a series of storms. In August, the sky was frequently overcast and temperatures were cool. The situation in early September was very variable. From 10 September the weather was exceptionally sunny, dry and windy: a real "Indian summer". The harvests were particularly late that year, beginning on 25 September and ending on 17 October. All the analyses confirmed a high concentration of sugars and the vintage's excellent potential.
Very good year
The weather in September rewarded us with silky, round tannins, in exceptionally healthy conditions. The balance of the Grand Vin thus offers a very fruity, full-bodied, generous palate. The structure is powerful and dense with a very long finish. There is no doubt that the 2003 will take a place among the property's greatest vintages while at the same time being one of its most unusual.
After a very wet autumn, the beginning of 2003 was particularly dry and there was a rainfall deficit from January to the end of June. Throughout the summer, and despite exceptional temperatures (between 35 and 40°C), the vineyard did not suffer as much as might have been feared because there was fairly regular rain in the form of thunderstorms. In August, temperatures were still very high and the vines, which were already suffering from the exceptional conditions, experienced severe water stress. The foliage, structure of the bunches and the grapes themselves showed significant withering. The vines in the Enclos resisted the severely limited water supply thanks to the clay subsoil. Two storms at the end of August finally relaunched the vines' metabolic activity and ripening could be completed perfectly. The harvests, which took place between 8 and 30 September in high temperatures, make 2003 one of the earliest vintages in the history of the propert
Exceptional year
The 2004 vintage saw the return of a very classic wine with a powerful, fresh, lively style, and a solid, precise structure. Very concentrated fruit is supported by an imposing structure, and already showing great purity and a rare level of energy. The finish is long and very silky, supported by very well-integrated tannins.
Exceptionally uneven rainfall throughout the growing cycle. Two main climate groups can be identified for 2004: - The first was characterized by excessive rainfall during October, January, May and August, reaching up to 180% of the average cumulative rainfall. - The second showed significant deficits in December, February-March, June and September, when the total rainfall barely exceeded 30% of the regional average. The first flowers appeared on the Merlot on 25 May and flowering ended in mid-June in perfect conditions. Fine weather returned in September, with maximum temperatures of above 25°C for more than 20 days! The 2004 harvest period was one of the most extended in the wine's history. The Merlot was harvested from 23 to 30 September, and then, from 7 to 19 October, in cold, driving rain, we harvested tight, rich, intense Cabernets of enormous complexity.
Very good year
The 2005 vintage demonstrates the superiority of the Cabernet Sauvignon which alone brings body, power, fruit and structure. A wine of great complexity, we note at this stage the dominance of very ripe fruit and can fully perceive its enormous power, filled out with sleek, silky tannins.
The 2005 vintage will undoubtedly be remembered for the pronounced lack of water that accompanied the whole production cycle up to the harvest and the exceptional weather conditions throughout the growing season, from budbreak to the harvest. The year was historically dry which normally leads to the vines exhibiting acute symptoms of stress and halts in the ripening process, but in 2005 this adversity was resisted. With generally hot, sunny weather, the 2005 vintage took form in exceptional conditions which without doubt contributed greatly to the birth of an exceptional vintage. The dry weather with gentle winds that persisted until the harvest resulted in a massive concentration of the juices in the grapes by evaporation. The harvests took place from 26 September to 6 October.
Exceptional year
Despite the heavy rain in September, the wines were very richly coloured and classy, showing great power and a beautiful liveliness, with a pronounced expression of Cabernet. The fruit is less exuberant, but the "Latour" character is very present. A wine that will benefit from very long ageing and that will require a long time in the bottle before showing a more integrated structure.
2006 saw three very different climate periods between the winter and the harvest. January and February were much colder than previous years and the return of normal rainfall helped to replenish the soil's reserves. A drought then started in March and continued until late June. Flowering proceeded perfectly starting on 26 May. Dry weather until the middle of August did not allow normal vegetative growth, and the grapes were of reduced size. The end of August was much more variable with an alternation of cloudy, rainy spells with long sunny periods. The first ten days of September were beautiful and sunny. The weather deteriorated after 11 September, and rain arrived, prompting us to start the harvests on 19 September; the harvests were completed on 9 October.
Great Year
The Grand Vin presents a delightful burst of fruit that manages to be both pure and very voluptuous, while maintaining fine, soft tannins, without a trace of over-ripeness or any imbalance. The press wines were able to strengthen and restore richness and power to the wine while maintaining its elegance and freshness, giving it a very "Latour" character.
The winter was generally mild until the end of January and then February was very wet. Particularly fine weather in April prompted rapid, intense growth. May was generally rainy and cold. The weather in June and July brought alternating periods of humidity, rain and heat, which resulted in the development of mildew. Rainfall in August was twice the average. Fortunately, September was dry and sunny with warm temperatures during the day and very cold nights. Overall, the 2007 harvests took place in good weather. Botrytis was visible but was completely eliminated by sorting in the vineyard. The Merlot was harvested between 21 September and 2 October, and the Cabernet Sauvignon between 4 and 15 October.
Good year
A very classic, pure, well-defined vintage. On the border between the 2004 and the 2006, it joins a beautiful series of very good quality vintages. This classicism is obviously best expressed in the Grand Vin, which is severe but also rich and intense. A great deal of class and nobility in this wine.
After a warmer than normal January and February, the growing season began with cool temperatures. The spring was wet, with regular rain from March to April. May was a little warmer than normal, but then there was cooler weather from June to September. A shortage of rain in July resulted in moderate water stress. The end of the summer was very rainy with frequent showers from early August to mid-September. Fortunately, the second half of September improved, with dry weather conducive to ripening. The harvests took place in beautiful late summer weather, from 29 September to 19 October. This enabled an optimization of a valuable balance between high phenolic indicators, correct sugar levels and fairly high acidity.
Great Year
Great concentration and a previously unseen quantity of tannins characterized the wines, which possessed extraordinary aromatic intensity, freshness and precision. Rich, ripe and mineral, with a very long, lingering finish. An exceptional year which will improve for many years to come.
After a relatively wet start to spring, 2009 will be remembered for its exceptionally hot, dry summer that was even sunnier than 2005. The coolness at the start of spring resulted in slow growth. From May onwards, the year was marked by monthly temperatures that were well above seasonal norms, enabling the vines to catch up. Beautiful summer weather arrived and was only interrupted by a few stormy periods in July, which did not enable the soil to replenish its reserves. This deficit increased in August and September. Shortly after veraison began, the vines suffered significant levels of stress. Very dry conditions in the first half of September resulted in the concentration of the already small berries. Rain on 19-20 September was very beneficial in refining the tannins. The harvests began on Wednesday, 23 September, and continued until 10 October in splendid sunshine and perfect healthy conditions.
Exceptional year
An intense and beautifully bright colour. the nose is incredibly expressive, pure and aromatic. On the palate, the structure is extremely delicate, elegant with matured fruits flavours. Tannins are rich, noble and silky.
The autumn of 2009 was mild and wet whereas the first months of 2010 were particularly cold and dry. We then noted a delay in the budbreak which did not properly get going until April which was almost summery. Flowering was disrupted by rain and cool temperatures during the first half of June resulting in significant flower abortion and uneven grape size. We had to wait for the last ten days of June for temperatures to return to seasonal norms. Water stress began to develop at the end of June in some plots in the Enclos and increased in July. Generally, the vines stopped growing at the end of July.
Harvesting of the Merlot began on September 20th with the young vines, and the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 4th (after stopping for a few days between grape varieties).
Exceptional year
The wines reveal an intense, deep colour. The elegant nose has floral notes and on the palate it is very fruity and flavoursome with precise and noble tannins. The finale is elegant and mighty.
The winter was dry and cold. From March onwards, temperatures were much milder. Indeed, summer effectively began in April, with average monthly temperatures of more than 5°C above average and 83% less rain than seasonal norms. In June, rainfall was relatively frequent but light though the amount of sunshine and temperatures were normal for this period. However, a heatwave from June 26th to 27th, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, caused heat damage to the most exposed berries, especially the Cabernet-Sauvignon. The exceptional spring conditions produced an early budding which then accelerated as the soil warmed up very quickly. Unlike the spring, the summer was fairly cool with normal rainfall. September was hot and mainly dry.
The harvests started with the Merlot on the 12th of September then continued uninterrupted with the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot until the 26th of September.
Good year
The colour is dark with a beautiful intensity.The nose is fruity, refined, ripe and extremely expressive. On the palate, the wine is rounded and smooth, spicy and very aromatic. It evolves pleasurably towards a delicious finale with fine tannins.
2012 was rather a late year, marked by spring rainfalls and followed by an extended dry period towards the end of the season. There was substantially less rain than usual during the five winter months and the temperatures were mild except for the extremely cold first half of February. Budbreak was noted on April 3rd, which was otherwise a particularly wet month. A rainy and mild June encouraged the propagation of diseases throughout the vineyard. Fortunately, in July and onwards into August, the weather became very dry and the mid-veraison was noted on August 14th. These dry and moderately hot weather conditions ensured a slow ripening which was beneficial for acidity levels. However, it was noticeable on some plots susceptible to hydric stress that the vine had suffered from the heat.
The harvests took place from September 24th to October 16th under heavy rain, resulting in a high localised risk of botrytis on the Merlot. Nevertheless, the vintage remained in excellent health.
Average year