Robert Parker's Wine Advocate : This is an interesting as well as great vintage for Latour. The wine possesses an atypically high percentage of Merlot (27%) in the final blend. Because of this, the wine appears to have a sweeter, more fleshly texture than is typical for a young Latour, but do not make the mistake of thinking this will be a commercially-styled, easy to drink wine. It exhibits an opaque dark ruby/purple color, and a backward, intense textbook nose of walnut and cassis scents complemented by smoky pain grille notes that build in the glass.
This full-bodied, powerful, layered Latour reveals high tannin, but no bitterness or astringency. The superb purity, fabulous precision, and remarkable length should ensure 35-40 years of longevity. Readers will find more fat, flesh, and glycerin than usual for a young Latour, but not be deceived, this wine requires 8-10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity : 2005-2035.
Blend : 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit verdot.
