Château Latour 1998

The 1998 Latour was in fact the first vintage I ever tasted en primeur at the chateau. It was an early vintage after budburst on 20 March and the picking began on 20 September until 5 October, the Grand Vin a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot (compared to around 9% these days), 4% Cabernet Franc 1% Petit Verdot. It has an open-knit bouquet with notes of black fruit, iron, undergrowth and autumn leaves. You cannot help noticing its rusticity compared to present-day Latour. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced, a tang of soy marking the entry, brambly red berry fruit and an almost Graves-like, tertiary, slightly short finish. It is a mid-weight Latour, one that I cannot envisage improving further but it will cruise at this level for the next decade. Tasted at the chateau. Drink between 2018-2035

Neal Martin - Vinous
Point Score: 92

N.b. please be aware that these bottles have been purchased from a private cellar. Storage conditions were perfect but some bottles do have some very minor rack damage to labels. If you require pictures of any bottles before purchase, please use the contact form stating the quantity you would like.