Chateau Latour 1999 Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classè

Château Latour: The Iconic Premier Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac

Château Latour is one of the most famous wines of Bordeaux, an icon of elegance and power that embodies the excellence of the Pauillac terroir. Its reputation for longevity, complexity, and precision in winemaking makes it one of the most sought-after Premier Grand Cru Classé wines in the world.

History and Philosophy

The history of Château Latour dates back to the 14th century when a watchtower was built during the Hundred Years’ War to protect the Gironde estuary. However, the estate’s winemaking vocation became prominent from the 17th century onwards, with its prestige solidified by the 1855 classification, which elevated it to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé.

In 1993, François Pinault took control of the estate, investing in innovation and sustainability while preserving the philosophy of the highest quality. Since 2012, Château Latour has adopted a policy of releasing wines only when they are deemed perfectly mature, abandoning the traditional “en primeur” system.

Grape Composition

The Grand Vin of Château Latour is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (about 90%), accompanied by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The grapes mainly come from the renowned L’Enclos vineyard, a 47-hectare area representing the qualitative heart of production.

Vinification and Aging

The winemaking process at Château Latour is marked by meticulous attention to detail and respect for the terroir:

• Alcoholic fermentation: Takes place in stainless steel tanks with temperature control to preserve the purity of the fruit.
• Malolactic fermentation: Conducted in barrels to soften the acidity and add complexity.

Aging occurs for approximately 18-20 months in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new wood (around 60-70%), contributing to the wine’s elegance and structure.

Tasting Notes

Château Latour is a wine of extraordinary finesse and power, capable of evolving for decades in the bottle.

Color: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections that develop with aging.

Nose: Complex and refined, with notes of ripe black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), tobacco, graphite, and hints of sweet spices, cocoa, and leather. Over time, nuances of truffle and forest floor emerge.

Palate: Structured and enveloping, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity that ensure freshness. The finish is long, persistent, and characterized by remarkable aromatic depth, with echoes of ripe fruit, delicate spices, and a subtle mineral note.

Food Pairings

Thanks to its structure and complexity, Château Latour pairs perfectly with rich and refined dishes such as:

• Red meats: Beef fillet, lamb chops
• Game: Venison, wild duck
• Aged cheeses: Comté, Parmigiano Reggiano

Serving Temperature

To fully appreciate its qualities, Château Latour should be served at a temperature of 17-18°C (62-64°F), after decanting for at least 2-3 hours to enhance its complexity.

Conclusion

Château Latour is not just a wine but a living legend representing the best of Bordeaux tradition. Its aging potential and depth make it a valuable investment for collectors and a perfect choice for celebrating the most special occasions.

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Pauillac, Bordeaux

Château Latour is one of the most prestigious and historic names in the wine world, a symbol of excellence and tradition in the Bordeaux region. Its history is centuries long and represents a perfect blend of respect for terroir and continuous innovation.

Origins and Early Years

The roots of Château Latour date back to the 14th century. The name comes from a watchtower (la Tour), built in 1331 during the Hundred Years’ War to protect the Gironde estuary. This tower no longer exists, but the name and emblem of the estate-a stylized tower-are still an iconic symbol of the estate.

The earliest records of vineyards at Château Latour date back to 1378, but it was in the 17th century that the estate began to engage in large-scale viticulture. During this period, the de Chavannes family and, later, the de Clauzel family developed the wine’s reputation, making it in high demand among French and English nobility.

The Classification of 1855

A pivotal moment for Château Latour came in 1855, when Napoleon III ordered the famous Official Classification of the Wines of Bordeaux at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. Château Latour was recognized as one of the five Premier Grand Cru Classé, the highest level of excellence, alongside Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion and, later, Château Mouton Rothschild (added in 1973).

This classification solidified Château Latour’s reputation as a producer of one of the finest and longest-lived wines in the world.

The 20th Century: Between Tradition and Modernity

In 1963, Château Latour was bought by the Pearson family, a British group that brought innovation and modernization to the estate. However, in 1989, the estate was acquired by François Pinault, a luxury magnate and founder of the Kering Group. Under Pinault, Château Latour entered a new era of excellence, with investments focused on technological improvement without ever losing sight of respect for terroir and winemaking traditions.

One of the most significant changes came in 2012, when Château Latour announced that it would no longer participate in the en primeur sales system (the advance sale of wine before it is bottled). This allowed the estate to control the aging process and release wines only when they were deemed perfectly ready to be tasted.

The Philosophy of Château Latour

Château Latour’s philosophy is founded on a deep respect for terroir and an unwavering commitment to quality. The estate covers 78 hectares, the heart of which is the iconic vineyard called “L’Enclos,” a plot of about 47 hectares that produces the grapes destined for Grand Vin.

The vineyards are planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon (about 90 percent), accompanied by small percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. In 2015, Château Latour obtained organic farming certification and continues to pursue sustainable practices with an increasing focus on biodynamics.

The Wines of Château Latour

Château Latour produces three main wines:

Grand Vin de Château Latour: The main wine, made from the oldest vines in Enclos, represents the pinnacle of quality and has an extraordinary capacity for aging.
Les Forts de Latour: Second wine of the estate, introduced in 1966. It comes from parcels of great quality but outside the Enclos, with an elegant but accessible younger style.
Pauillac de Château Latour: Third wine, launched in 1990, designed to offer a more immediate expression of the terroir of Pauillac with a more fruity and approachable style.
Conclusion

Château Latour is more than just a winery: it is a symbol of tradition, excellence and continuous innovation. Its commitment to absolute quality and its ability to produce wines of extraordinary longevity make it a legend on the world wine scene, prized by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.