From: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Varietal: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot 

At the beginning of the eighteenth century, Chateau Latour started to be highly recognized around the world, thanks to the reconquest of the British market and the development of the wine business in Northern Europe. The aristocracy and other wealthy groups of consumers became very enthusiastic about a few great estates, of which Latour was one. And that was how Thomas Jefferson, ambassador of the United States in France, and future President, discovered this wine in 1787. At that time, a cask of Chateau Latour was already worth twenty times as much as one of ordinary Bordeaux wine. The reputation of Chateau Latour was consolidated during the 19th century. It was confirmed in 1855, when the government of Napoléon III decided to classify the growths of the Médoc and the Graves for the International Exhibition in Paris: Chateau Latour was classified as a First Growth. The existing chateau was built during this "Golden Age", between 1862 and 1864.

Tasting Notes: A terrific effort from Administrator Frederic Engerer and owner Francois Pinault, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Latour exhibits a strong cassis character intermixed with notes of crushed rocks, earth, cedar, and forest floor. Racy, elegant, but powerful with medium to full body, and sweet tannin will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades. It is a very impressive offering. -Wine Advocate

97 Points -Wine Enthusiast
95 Points -Wine Spectator
95 Points -The Wine Advocate
94 Points -Wine & Spirits
94 Points -Jeb Dunnack
93 Points -James Suckling