Château Latour
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classé 2009
Bordeaux, France
While the world of wine is often filled with hyperbole, whether from critics, wine merchants, or estates, my comments on the wine released today are straightforward: it’s a view I’ve held for years and not a claim I make lightly.
“this is one of the most remarkable young wines I have ever tasted.”
Robert Parker, RobertParker.com (100 Points) on Latour 2009
I cannot be sure, but I would estimate I’ve tasted over 100,000 wines over my career. I’m incredibly fortunate to have tasted some truly memorable wines, many of which I could only dream of owning myself. Still, the only wine I’ve ever given 100 points to is Château Latour 2009. I’ve tasted it multiple times, the first during the en primeur tastings at the Chateau in 2010, and I cannot think of any way it could be bettered. It is the pinnacle of Pauillac.
Given the Château involved and the quality on offer, it’s clearly not a wine for everyday drinking. However, if there’s space for something rather extraordinary in your cellar, then there is a very strong argument that this ought to be considered for that spot.
| Style: Red | Drink from: 2020 |
| ABV: % | Drink to: 2060 |
| Packaging: OWC | Stock arriving: Late 2024 |
Critic scores
Critic reviews
Rober Parker, December 2011, RobertParker.com
"The 2009 Latour is endowed with a simply magnificent nose with intense blackberry and cassis fruit laced with minerals and graphite, extremely focused to the point of overwhelming the sense. Wow. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, multilayered black fruit infused with crushed stone and a hint of white pepper, though it clams up towards the finish as if to say, not yet. Outstanding. This is Latour firing on all cylinders. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Drink 2014-2070."
Neal Martin, March 2019, Vinous.com
"Unmistakable Latour in an exceptional vintage, so you should expect a muscular, sculpted and confident wine that is bursting with Pauillac character, showcasing the brilliance of this clay-gravel location overlooking the Gironde Estuary. Still just emerging from its primary stage but just about ready to drink if you give it long enough in a carafe - although it will be even better with another decade. Think blackberry, bilberry, cassis, charcoal, slate, sage, incense, cigar box, grilled cumin and a ton of black chocolate shavings. 100% new oak for ageing, Penelope Godefroy vineyard director, Frederic Engerer director. Tasted a few times this year, and here I am adding to the two notes that are already on this site, one at 100 points, and one at 98 points."
Jane Anson, July 2024, JaneAnson.com
"A breathtaking combination of dried flowers and minerals, with dark fruits such as currants and blackberries. Full-bodied, with fabulous fruit concentration, yet its compacted. Velvety tannins. So much fruit and beauty. It's the quality of the tannins that are magic. It is the famous 1959 all over again. Amazing. Try in 2022."
James Suckling, February 2012, James Suckling.com
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