Pauillac de Latour 2019, Château Latour, Pauillac
£89.95 per bottle
ABV 13.0%
This wine has been made every year since 1989, and was developed primarily for the restaurant market.
Terroir
The Pauillac is made primarily from young vines, growing on the less prestigious terroirs in the vineyard, and from wines that do not meet the selection criteria for Forts de Latour (specific to each vintage).
About 20% new barrels are used in the vinification of the Pauillac, the precise proportion varying depending on the characteristics of the vintage. The blend for Château Latour’s Pauillac typically consists of nearly 45% Merlot.
Style
This generous, fruity wine is an excellent introduction to the family of wines produced by Château Latour. It can be enjoyed after four to five years of ageing, and will continue to improve for several more years.
Critical appraisal
The 2019 Pauillac de Latour has a welcome strictness and focus on the nose, a straight-down-the-line Pauillac with graphite and pencil shavings infusing the black fruit. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and taut, with pliant tannins and fine acidity. A graphite infused finish doesn't press down too hard on the accelerator. Not over-ambitious - that's its strength. Difficult to believe this is in fact the third wine! Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
92
Neal Martin, vinous.com, January 2023
